Anderson competes in Women’s U.S. Open qualifier

BELLEVILLE — Returning to the place where she first learned the game of golf and later became on the top high school players in the state — St. Clair Country Club — Belleville native Alexandra Anderson played her first competitve round of golf in nearly three years Tuesday.

And it came against 76 of the top players in the world.

Now the assistant women’s golf coach at Lindenwood University- St. Charles, the 26-year-old Anderson shot an 80 in her morning round of the sectional qualifying for the 2015 United States Women’s Open, and later finished well back in the pack after 36 holes.

But for Anderson, a 2007 graduate of Althoff High School, the event brought back good memories and provided new hope for her game in the future.

“It was like old times. This is the place where I grew up playing, and to have my mom and grandmother out there following me again, it brought back good memories,’’ Anderson said. “I bet this was my first competitive round of golf in three years this morning. I actually thought I hit the ball fine.

“I’m back in Belleville again and hope to start to play more competitive golf. I’ve really missed it.’’

Anderson’s 36 hole score failed to advance her to the 2015 United States Women’s Open, which will be held July 9-12 at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pa.

All in all, 77 players, including 16 professionals were on hand on Tuesday to tackle the Par 71 St. Clair Country Club Course in attempt to qualify for one of the top events in the world. Included in the field were players from all over the United States as well as Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and several from Canada.

To be eligible to compete in the qualifier players much have a handicap of 2.4 or lower. The sectional at St. Clair Country Club is one of 25 being held throughout the United States.

This story was originally published June 2, 2015 at 11:41 PM with the headline "Anderson competes in Women’s U.S. Open qualifier."