Oliver grad comes home to work the U.S. Senior Women's Open

William Jerry has played golf four times in his life, twice in Africa.

But the Pittsburgh native and 1996 graduate of Oliver High School is working at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Fox Chapel Golf Club this week as a data collector of the greens for the maintenance crew.

He graduated in December 2023 from the USGA-created Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program (GAP).

The program is designed to recruit, train and educate future golf course maintenance professionals.

Jerry joined the program in November 2020 after hearing an ad on the radio. He was part of the first graduating class.

He joined the program after retiring from the United States Army after 24 years, the last 12 as a Green Beret. He served twice in Iraq, twice in Afghanistan and 12 years in Northern Africa.

“Your life is a lot different after you serve,” Jerry said. “It’s a transition trying to adjust. I did therapy and schooling and I want to build on as mechanic.

“I went to the GAP and learned about golf course management and agronomy. I got to work the U.S. Open at Pinehurst in June and I got a chance to come home and work. I grew up in Homewood, and I’m working across the river.”

Round 2 was delayed because of heavy rain Friday morning, but Jerry said the tournament lucked out because it could have been worse.

Jerry and his wife, Laurie, and son Wyatt live in Pinehurst. He was able to visit with family while he was home.

Davies withdraws

Laura Davies withdrew from the tournament due to an injury after playing 10 holes Friday.

Davies, 60, of England, won the inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Championship in 2018 at Chicago Golf Club by shooting a 16-under 276.

She has won 87 times worldwide, including 20 LPGA Tour events. Davies was inducted into the Word Golf Hall of Fame in 2015.

Carner shoots age

JoAnne Carner, at 85 years old, shot a 9-over 80 on Friday. A day after matching her age with an 85, Carner had consecutive birdies on the par-5 second and par-3 third on her second nine.

The Hall of Famer has shot her age or lower eight times in the tournament first played in 2018, seven in her last eight rounds.

Carner has eight U.S. Golf Association titles, the most by a female player, winning the U.S. Women’s Open in 1971 and 1976, six U..S. Women’s Amateur titles and one U.S. Girls’ Junior championship.

Chip shots

Play was delayed until 10:45 a.m. because of severe weather. The course received six-tenths of an inch of rain Friday morning. Action is scheduled to resume at 7:45 a.m. Saturday. … Jackie Gallagher-Smith, who has family in Norvelt and Johnstown, didn’t make the cut after shooting a 7-over 78. She finished 12-over 154. … Carol Semple Thompson of Sewickley shot her second-consecutive 88. She was happy for the invitation. “Well, it is pretty significant because I haven’t played that much in recent years, and it’s really nice to receive an exemption to play here. So I’ve got one more badge that I can give to the USGA for my locker and Hall of Fame,” she said. … Annika Sorenstam completed her second round and then headed to PNC Park to throw out the first pitch before the Pirates game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Associated Press contributed.