Durham, Turner U.S. Open bound

By TODD GARVIN

GLASGOW — Area golfers Taryn Durham and Marci Turner are in the cast for the grandest show in women’s golf.

The two women survived the drama of separate two-round qualifying events Monday in different states to secure spots in the U.S. Women’s Open that begins June 28 at Pine Needles Golf Course in Southern Pines, N.C.

Turner shot even par (73-71) at Keith Hills Country Club in Buies Creek, N.C., capping off her second round with a birdie on the par-5 18th to finish second and take her place among the field of the world’s elite players.

“Rules officials kept coming around so we knew what we had to shoot,” Turner said Monday evening. “I knew I had to have a birdie on the last hole and that’s what I did.”

As it turned out, the University of Tennessee senior could have qualified with par, but Turner left nothing to chance. She hit her third shot within two feet of the hole and steadied her nerves long enough to drain the putt.

“I was nervous because it was right over a bunker,” she said. “I was shaking over my putt a little bit but I had to hold my self down and somehow make the putt.

“There was no doubt when I hit it.”

Durham’s day was quite different than Turner’s. The senior at Middle Tennessee State University had to literally endure some dark moments to secure her place in the spotlight.

Needing to get down in two from about 30 feet on the final hole to qualify, Durham raced her putt well past the hole and missed her par putt that left her in a playoff with seven players vying for four spots.

“I was really disappointed,” she said. “My adrenaline was going and I just hit it too far. I knew that putt meant a lot.”

Durham waited 45 minutes after her final hole before learning of the playoff, which began as the sun waned in the Illinois sky over The Village Links of Glen Ellyn.

She parred the first playoff hole that left five women for three spots and survived a knee-knocking six-footer on the second that would have eliminated her.

“I was afraid that might have been the end for me,” Durham said.

The save gave her new life that even darkness couldn’t contain. With the sun already set, the women left agreed to keep playing on the third hole, a 181-yard, par 3.

“I was last to tee off and I could hardly see to put my tee in the ground,” Durham said. “I was afraid I might top it.”

She didn’t, as a solid 4-iron left her a 20-foot downhill putt. With her father Terry tending the flag because it was so dark she couldn’t see the hole, Durham delicately struck the ball that trickled into the heart of the cup.

“I was so relieved,” she said while describing her experience and seemingly not taking a breath Monday evening. “It was the best feeling. I just gave Dad a big hug.

“It was finally over. After 39 holes, I was worn out.”

Besides the last hole in regulation, Durham was pleased with her day, especially after encountering some early problems while practicing Monday morning.

Whether it was jitters or just early morning tightness, the problem zeroed the Glasgow graduate in on her goal.

“I was nervous going in,” she said. “So, I got out there and focused on every single shot. I was really determined.”

The mental fortitude paid off with a 2-under on the first nine holes that gave her the confidence to finish out the grueling day.

“It was a really good start,” she said of her 73-75 rounds. “It kinda helped get me going.”

With the toughest part behind them, the two can now sit back and enjoy their accomplishments — when it finally hits them, of course.

“I’m very excited,” Turner said. “It hasn’t sunk in yet and it probably won’t for quite a while.”

Durham shared Turner’s view.

“No, it definitely hasn’t sunk in yet. Not at all,” she said while preparing to drive back to Glasgow after her ordeal. “I don’t think anybody will sleep tonight. My parents are probably more excited than I am.”

If they had a choice, Turner would like to play with Lorena Ochoa at the Open while Durham would prefer Annika Sorenstam.

For now, however, the two will focus on getting ready for the tournament, which again will see them taking vastly different approaches.

Turner will tune up with the USGA Amateurs Public Links championship played next week at Kearney Hills Golf Course in Lexington.

“That will be a good warmup,” she said.

As for Durham, she expects long hours at Glasgow Golf and Country Club.

“I have nothing until then,” she said. “I’ll be practicing my butt off the next two weeks.”