England’s McGinty Low Scorer at U.S. Women's Open qualifier
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications • May 7, 2025
PITTSBURGH - When it comes to golf, there are some undeniable good vibes going on right now between Pittsburgh and Ohio State University.
And, while many know of the recent accomplishments of Neal Shipley — the Pittsburgh native who captured the attention of the golf world last year — there’s another former Buckeye who was able to make some West Penn waves Tuesday.
England’s Caley McGinty shot a 5-under score of 139, cruising to Low Scorer honors at the U.S. Women’s Open Qualifying round at Shannopin Country Club.
The performance clinches McGinty’s spot in the 80th edition of the major, which will be held at Erin Hills from May 29-June 1.
“It feels really, really good,” McGinty said. “I knew only one spot was going to get out, which is pretty brutal. And there’s some really good players here, players who are experienced. I wanted to go out and have a good couple of rounds and see what happens. I’m really happy with the result.”
McGinty’s first round finished strong. She sat 1-over through 12 holes but birdied four of the next five to shoot 69.
“I drove the ball really well,” she said. “The rough is so long. It was basically a one-shot penalty this week. I drove it in the fairway and I’m pretty long, so I was able to take advantage of that.”
Following a brief break, she played a consistent and relatively mistake-free second round, firing off a 70. In all, she made just four bogeys, including one in the second round.
McGinty also had to handle some volatile weather that has become all-too-common in Western Pennsylvania over the last week. There were periodic rain showers, fluctuating temperatures and occasional wind that made the challenging layout at Shannopin even tougher.
“Playing in the Big Ten, you have to be mentally tough when it comes to weather,” she said. “Everyone is playing in the same conditions. But I am from England and I’m used to it. So, it was nothing, I didn’t even think about it.”
A 2024 Ohio State grad, McGinty is an accomplished player who currently participates on the LPGA Tour, having played in an event in Southern Utah this past weekend.
Prior to turning professional, she earned All-Big Ten First Team honors in 2023 and was selected to represent Team England at the World Amateur Championships a year prior.
A friend of Shipley’s, she credits the training received at Ohio State for the strong play of Buckeyes post-graduation.
“I know Neal very well,” she said. “I love him, he’s great. It’s a testament to what they have going on in Columbus with the facility you have and playing a golf course like Scarlett as your home course.
“I can’t speak for the men’s program, but the women have a really strong coaching staff and support system. Our head coach played on Tour for ten years. She knows what it takes to get there… It’s been a huge support system for me as I’ve transitioned.”
Now she’ll have chance to win a national championship.
“I have my next LPGA event in Mexico,” McGinty added. “I’ll go straight from there to Erin Hills. I’m super excited.”
McGinty was the only player of the 31 in the field to end up under-par and the only competitor with a single-round score in the 60’s.
Melanie Walker, a collegiate player at Missouri and a Burke, Virginia product, shot 3-over to earn Low Amateur and first alternate honors.
Rachel Rohanna, a Western Pennsylvanian who earned medalist honors in the same qualifying round a year ago, placed third with a 5-over mark. She will be the second alternate.
For final results, please click here.
For any media inquiries, please contact WPGA Director of Communications Josh Rowntree.
About the WPGA
Founded in 1899, the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association is the steward of amateur golf in the region. Started by five Member Clubs, the association now has nearly 200 Member Clubs and nearly 37,000 members. The WPGA conducts 14 individual competitions and 10 team events, and administers the WPGA Scholarship Fund and Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame.