Two-Time Champion Webb Receives Special Exemption

Two-time U.S. Women’s Open champion Karrie Webb, of Australia, has received a special exemption into the 73rd U.S. Women’s Open Championship, which will be conducted May 31-June 3 at Shoal Creek in Alabama.

Webb, 43, won the 2000 U.S. Women’s Open at The Merit Club in Gurnee, Ill., defeating Cristie Kerr and Meg Mallon by five strokes. In 2001, Webb defeated Se Ri Pak by eight strokes at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C., to become the 12th player to win multiple U.S. Women’s Opens.

“As a past champion, I’m very grateful and excited to accept the USGA’s special exemption into this year’s U.S. Women’s Open,” said Webb. “I have always loved competing in the U.S. Women’s Open and being tested on some of the best courses in the country. I’m looking forward to playing in my 23rd consecutive championship and being tested again at Shoal Creek.”

Since her 10-year exemption for her 2001 victory expired following the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs – where she tied for sixth –Webb has earned a place through other exemption categories every year since. Webb’s 22 consecutive Women’s Opens entering this year is the longest active streak. Last year, Webb tied for 44th at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J.