Mandurah local Kathryn Norris has earned an exemption into October’s Bowra & O’Dea Nexus Advisernet WA Open, where she will look to become the first woman since 2019 to play all four rounds.
A WPGA Tour professional, Norris is a popular figure at Mandurah Country Club, where she has been a member for many years and works in the pro shop when not competing.
While she knows that making the cut off the back tees will be a challenge, 23-year-old Norris is feeling optimistic about her chances of making an impression in the PGA Tour of Australasia event.
“Home advantage definitely counts,” Norris told GolfWA. “I almost always play off the blue tees at Mandurah anyway and even though the black tees add a little more distance, I think I could go well. Hitting fairways is more important than length around Mandurah Country Club, and that’s a strength of my game.
“I’ll be hitting longer clubs into the greens, which will be a bigger challenge, but if I get some luck with the conditions and avoid making any silly mistakes, I think I’ve got a good chance of making the cut.”
Mandurah member Kathryn Norris hopes to make an impression at this year’s WA Open
Should she do so, Norris will become only the second woman to play all 72 holes of the WA Open after Kirsten Rudgeley achieved the feat in 2019 at Cottesloe Golf Club. It’s a challenge she’s looking forward to immensely.
“It’s very special to be able to play in this event at my home club in front of the members and my family,” Norris added. “There aren’t many chances for WA women professionals to compete in their home state, let alone at their home club, and I think that’s great for other women and girls to see and be inspired by.
“There will be a few other Mandurah-based golfers in the field for the WA Open, too, so hopefully we can put on a show for the locals and give them something to shout about.”
Norris will be one of four women competing at the WA Open, with elite amateurs Abbie Teasdale (Royal Fremantle), Amanda Gan and Ruby Cotton (both Mount Lawley) also earning exemptions after strong seasons domestically.
From left, Abbie Teasdale, Ruby Cotton and Amanda Gan
Women are also eligible to reach the championship via Monday pre-qualifying. This was last achieved by current LPGA Tour player Hira Naveed as a 17-year-old amateur in 2015.
Keep up to date with the latest WA Open developments at our dedicated web portal.
Images: Australian Golf Media/Above Socials
