Vicky Hurst earned medalist and low amateur honors to lead eight golfers who advanced to the 62nd U.S. Women's Open from sectional qualifying at Heathrow Country Club on June 11. Twelve-year-old Alexis Thompson also secured her spot becoming the youngest player to ever qualify for the U.S. Women's Open.

Vicky Hurst, 16, from Melbourne, topped the sectional field for the second consecutive year after posting a tournament total of 5-under par 137. In the first round, Hurst made five birdies and eagled the 11th hole to card a 6-under par 65 and lead the field by four. Hurst, last year's U.S. Girls Junior runner-up, recorded a 72 in the final round to maintain the lead and win by two. Hurst has five wins on the Florida Junior Tour and was awarded the 2005 and 2006 Florida Women's State Golf Association Junior Player-of-the-Year. Alexis Thompson, from Coral Springs, also advanced to the U.S. Women's Open firing consistent rounds of 72-71--143. Thompson, a 6-time winner on the Florida Junior Tour, recently won an AJGA event to become the second youngest winner in AJGA history. Fellow Floridian, Nicole Hage, of Coral Springs, secured a qualifying spot after making birdie on the first playoff hole. Hage recorded rounds of 74-71--145.

For complete sectional results, please click here.

(L-R) Vicky Hurst and Alexis Thompson