Ole Miss notables praise U.S. Women's Open at Old Waverly

National golf tournament brings recognition to West Point

Heather Ratliff

DM Staff writer

West Point's Old Waverly Golf Course was in the national spotlight this weekend as it played host to the 54th U.S. Women's Open.

The 100 degree heat and high humidity did not stop the 150 professional women golfers, 1,400 volunteers or each day's crowd of around 25,000 spectators from participating and attending the event.

Ole Miss notables Archie Manning, Susan Atkins, Wesley Walls and David Cutcliffe were all in attendance Saturday to support Mississippi's involvement in the historic U.S. Women's Open.

"Hats off to George Bryan and everyone involved with the event," said former Rebel quarterback Archie Manning. "It is great for Mississippi and should make all Mississippians proud."

"Anyone associated with this event should have a sense of pride," said Carolina Panthers' and former Ole Miss tight end Wesley Walls. "This is awesome for Mississippi and I'm very proud," said Walls.

This was the first time coach David Cutcliffe and his family visited Old Waverly Golf Course.

"It is great to do something positive for Mississippi, and of such magnitude," said Cutcliffe as he signed autographs along side MSU head coach Jackie Sherrill.

For volunteers Steve and Gay Case from Jackson this was their summer vacation.

"After watching the U.S. Women's Open last year and hearing that the event was going to be in Mississippi, we decided to do something different and spend our summer vacation volunteering at the Open," said Steve Case.

"We have met many people from several states who have volunteered their services," he added. "We are extremely proud of Mississippi and look forward to possible following future (U.S. Women's) Opens.

The tournament began Thursday and concluded Sunday, with Juli Inkster winning the tournament, Sherri Turner and Kelli Kuehne following.