U.S. Senior Women's Open notebook: Semple-Thompson enjoys day despite her game

Carole Semple Thompson enjoyed everything about the first round of the sixth U.S. Senor Women’s Open except her game.

The 75-year-old Sewickley native had a small crowd following her for all 18 holes.

She shot an 88 and survived the blistering heat.

“I survived, but my golf game was pretty lousy, but that’s OK,” Semple Thompson said. “I had a bunch of friends who are horseback riders following me. How about that?

“It’s wonderful to play in this event. I’m not up to it anymore. But I got to play with two old friends from the Curtis Cup days.”

Semple Thompson will have an earlier tee time Friday, and she hopes it’s a little cooler.

“I probably get to play in the rain Friday, but that’s OK. I have rain gloves,” she said. “It was fun out there. I enjoyed it immensely. I’m looking forward to playing better.”

Past champions

Here is how the past five champions played during the first round:

• 2018 champion Laura Davies shot a 5-over-par 76.

• 2019 winner Helen Alfredsson shot a 3-over 74.

• 2021 winner Annika Sorenstam shot an even-par 71.

• 2022 winner Jill McGill finished with a 10-over 81.

• 2023 winner Trish Johnson shot a 4-over 75.

To the rescue

As Sorenstam was about to tee off on No. 9 to begin her round, her son Will noticed a spectator having a medical issue. He grabbed a chair and helped her sit down.

Medical personnel reported to the area and treated the spectator.

“I’m glad he could help, and I hope she’s doing better,” Sorenstam said. “He’s a good golfer but also a wonderful human being. I’m proud that he stepped in and helped the young lady.”

Up-and-down round

Jackie Gallagher-Smith, who has family in Norvelt and Johnstown, had a roller-coaster round.

She, too, had family and friends following her. Her son Sully was her caddie.

Gallagher-Smith shot a 5-over 76 and is tied for 47th. She had four birdies, six pars, seven bogeys and a double-bogey.

Her birdies were on Nos. 1, 11, 16 and 18.

Toughest hole

The toughest hole during Thursday’s first round was the par-4, 378-yard ninth. The field averaged 4.620 shots. There were only four birdies and 45 pars, 64 bogeys and seven double bogeys.

The easiest hole was the 287-yard par-4 seventh hole. It averaged 4.080 shots. It gave up 21 birdies, 74 pars, 22 bogeys and four double bogeys.

There were two eagles during the round on the fifth and eighth holes.

The eighth hole also had a golfer get a 12 on the 444-yard par-5. That unfortunate golfer was amateur Monica Pedano.