(Chatham, NJ) - Hall of Famer JoAnne Carner showed once again why she's known as the ironwoman of women's golf, carding an impressive 14-over 85 during the first round of the U.S. Senior Women's Open Thursday at the picturesque Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh.
At 85 years young, Carner became the oldest player to ever tee it up in the famed championship, and she did not disappoint early on. The legend known as "Big Mama" made the turn at four-over 40, including a highlight birdie on the par-4 7th. However, the sizzling afternoon temperatures began to wear on Carner over the closing holes. She struggled to a 42 over the inward nine, sinking two double-bogeys.
The putt to seal the deal! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WQwLN8ErI1
— USGA (@USGA) August 1, 2024
While understandably displeased with her "terrible" back nine, Carner still managed to shoot her age for an incredible seventh time in the Senior Open. Her ability to continue competing against players half her age is a testament to her fitness and legendary competitive spirit.
“It was terrible,” Carner said. “I played really bad on the back. I didn’t putt well. Then I lost my swing temporarily. I hit a couple shots that I thought were good, but not having played the course but one time, I ended up in trouble, in one of those bunkers, and you just have to hit out.”
JoAnne Carner has become a mainstay at the U.S. Senior Women's Open since its inaugural edition. In 2018, she had the honor of hitting the historic first tee shot at the championship. Carner demonstrated her resolve that week by shooting a commendable 79 over the challenging layout.
Three years ago at the age of 82, she etched her name further in the record books by becoming the oldest competitor in a USGA event. Carner backed that up with consecutive rounds of 83 two years later. And just last year at Fox Chapel, she kicked off the Seniors Open with a steady even-par 80.
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Time and again, Carner has proven herself one of the toughest athletes in golf by continuing to take her powerhouse game up against players several decades her junior. Now adding an 85 to her illustrious scoring ledger at this event, the legend of Big Mama grows with each appearance in the senior circuit.
When asked about possibly retiring, Carner gave her usual dismissal. "This will do me in" she quipped, before adding that she looks forward to relaxing with "a nice cocktail" to recount her day.
“I go back and cool down, take a shower and sit and have a nice cocktail,” Carner said.
At 85, most would have hung up their spikes long ago. But JoAnne Carner keeps showing why she's the toughest competitor women's golf has ever seen, constantly rewriting the record books with each appearance.
JoAnne Carner continues to smoke and smoke the ball for more than 200 yards.
The first round lead was snatched up by Kaori Yamamoto of Japan, who carded a four-under 67. But all eyes will be on "Big Mama" Carner tomorrow as she looks to improve and stay in contention for another USGA title, decades after her last in 1976. As always, do not count out the ironwoman from Evansville.
