Chowchilla golfers compete against the best

For The Madera Tribune

Asterisk Talley made U.S. Womens’ Open history this weekend, earning a top 25 finish.

---

Chowchilla golf prodigy Asterisk Talley made U.S. Women’s Open history this weekend, earning a top 25 finish at the Rivera Country Club in Palisades.

Talley, who just finished her junior year at Chowchilla High School, finished the four rounds with a two-over par 286 to tie her for 22nd place. She was the fourth highest amateur in the tournament.

However, she recorded the lowest weekend round, ever, by an amateur at the Open with a bogey-free 66 (five under par) on Saturday to put her in the hunt. It was also the last time an amateur accomplished the score at a major championship in 21 years.

Talley ended up shooting a two-over 74 on Sunday. She opened the tournament with a one-under 71 on Thursday, and shot a three-over 75 on Friday, and made the cut.

This is the third straight year Talley has played in the U.S. Open.

This year, Talley had some local company with Chowchilla’s Anita Lumpongpoung also qualifying for the open.

Lumpongpoung, who finished her sophomore year at Chowchilla High School, shot a two-over 74 on the first day, and a five-over 77 on Friday, and missed the cut in her first U.S. Open experience.

Both golfers qualified for the U.S. Womens’ Open at a qualifier. Talley won the qualifier, and Lumpongpoung placed second.