May 14, 2008

AUBURN - Auburn freshman Cydney Clanton finished second at Monday's U.S. Open local qualifier, firing 5-over 76. The event was held at the par-71 Georgia National Golf Club in McDonough, Ga.

With the finish, Clanton advanced to the June 9 sectional qualifier being held at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in North Carolina. She will compete in the one-day 36-hole event where eight to 12 of the top finishers will advance to the U.S. Women's Open, June 26-29 at the Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minn.

"The key to playing well at the sectional is to remain patient," Clanton said. "No matter what the outcome after the first 18 holes, you know you have 18 more to go, so you just have to key your head in it."

Auburn has had six individuals compete in past U.S. Women's Open's, including Nicole Hage the past two years. Assistant coach Courtney Trimble (Swim) played at the 2002 and 2004 Open, while Diana Ramage and Celeste Troche were competitors in 2001. Virginia Derby-Grimes has been to the Open on five different occasions, while Missy Tuck Gordon competed in 1994.

Clanton is ranked No. 13 in the country and recently finished fourth at the NCAA East Regional (70-75-72--217). Named SEC Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-SEC, Clanton has five top-five finishes this season and seven in the top 10. She leads the No. 11 Tigers with a 73.45 average.

Clanton and Auburn are set to compete at the NCAA Championship May 20-23 in Albuquerque, N.M.