Altomare and Nielson Qualify for 2011 U.S. Women's Amateur

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Charlottesville, VA – Two members of the 2011 Virginia women’s golf team advanced through qualifying tournaments to compete in the 2011 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. Former player Calle Nielson (Nashville, Tenn.), a senior last season, and rising junior Brittany Altomare (Shrewsbury, Mass.) both qualified on July 7.

Altomare took medalist honors at the tournament held at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield, N.J., shooting 68. Nielson tied for first place with a 71 at the Sapona Country Club in Lexington, N.C.

It marks the second straight year both players have qualified for the tournament. Last year Altomare and Nielson advanced through stroke play to the 64-player match play portion of the event. Altomare was eliminated in the opening round while Nielson won two times before falling in the round of 16.

The U.S. Women’s Amateur dates back to 1895 and marks the beginning of women’s competitive golf in this country. Along with the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Open, the Women’s Amateur was one of the USGA’s first three championships.

This year’s tournament will take place Aug. 8-14 at the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington, R.I. Designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1911, Rhode Island C.C. will be hosting its fourth U.S. Women’s Amateur (1924, 1953, 1987) and its fifth USGA championship overall (1975 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur).