Julia López speaks to the communication team of the USGA just minutes after finishing her participation in the first US Women’s Open of her career. She was in the featured group on Sunday, but things didn’t go as she expected.
The 72nd hole of the tournament sums up the mix of nerves and bad luck she experienced this Sunday at Erin Hills. A triple bogey caused her to lose her privileged position in the top ten, dropping to the nineteenth place.
Julia takes it philosophically: “I honestly believe my game was there, I fought as hard as I could, I also had bounces that didn’t help me, putts that didn’t go in, ultimately a round I really didn’t expect, but I fought hard and I’m taking away a great experience from everything I’ve lived this week.” That’s Julia López, surely feeling the disappointment inside, but she’s the type to move on quickly. There’s no need to dwell on it more than necessary, it didn’t go as expected, and it’s on to the next challenge. A mindset that helps a lot to move on in these situations, as lamenting serves little purpose.
She prefers to focus on the positives of the day: “I really like playing under pressure, I enjoyed playing with so many people in the stands, I had a lot of fun, I’ve proven to myself that I’m mentally tough and I’m going to learn a lot from everything that happened today.” Despite the tension and experiences, the Malaga native highlights the positives of what she went through. Undoubtedly, experiences like yesterday’s will help her sooner rather than later in similar situations.
The Benahavís native had time to remember her people: “It’s incredible how much support I get from my town, without them it wouldn’t be possible, it’s amazing,” and she makes them a promise: “I will return to a situation like this because they deserve it…”
Carolina López Chacarra (+7) draws a similar conclusion from a different but also very positive week. The Madrid native was debuting in a Major and managed to play all four rounds, finishing within the top forty of the tournament.
She fought until the end for the honour of being the best amateur of the tournament, although the recognition ultimately went to the World Number One Amateur, England’s Lottie Woad: “I’m very happy, today was a bit tougher, but it was a great experience. This course doesn’t forgive much when you make mistakes, but I’m happy
The Madrid native takes notes: “My main takeaway is that I’ve seen my game is ready to be among the best and compete in the LPGA. I have a lot to learn, but I’ve definitely proven to myself that I can play on equal terms. I’m taking a lot of confidence from this tournament.”
Regarding areas to improve, Carol doesn’t shy away: “I think the great virtue of the best players here is that they know how to minimise mistakes. It’s something I still struggle with, saving a bogey instead of a double or similar situations. I’ve seen firsthand how good they are in this aspect, and I need to keep working on it.”
