Indiana Women’s Golf Association
Samantha Brown’s Journey: From Indiana Golf to the U.S. Women’s Open
Samantha Brown, a standout golfer from Westfield, Indiana, started her journey through Indiana Golf. As she prepares to compete in her first U.S. Women’s Open, her remarkable achievements in Indiana showcase her dedication and skill.
Brown’s skill was evident early on, as she dominated the high school golf scene. She won the Indiana state high school title this past fall and captured 24 of the 48 high school tournaments she competed in during her career at Westfield High. Her consistent excellence earned her four conference championships and three regional titles. Beyond high school, Brown’s talent shone through in state-level competitions. She claimed the Indiana Junior PGA Championship by an impressive nine strokes at Purdue’s Ackerman-Allen Course and secured the Indiana Girls Junior title. Her competitive spirit also led her to finish as the runner-up in the 2023 Indiana State Open and tie for third in the Pete and Alice Dye Junior Invitational.
Brown’s accomplishments are deeply rooted in the supportive environment fostered by Indiana Golf. She reflects on her experiences, saying, “Indiana Golf has helped me so much! Every experience playing in a competitive event is an opportunity to learn new things and grow! Everyone is so supportive and helpful in all aspects! I am so grateful to have a program like Indiana Golf to help prepare me for events like this!”
Road to the U.S. Women’s Open
Brown’s path to the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was anything but straightforward. She earned her spot through a challenging qualifier at Sunset Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 8. The 36-hole qualifier, stretched over two days due to severe weather, tested her resilience and skill. Brown shot scores of 71 and 81, totaling 152, to secure the single available spot.
Reflecting on the qualifier, Brown shared, “The experience qualifying was crazy! The conditions were probably the worst I have ever played in. It ended up being 2 days with all of the storms that came through St. Louis! Day 2 the wind was blowing and we didn’t play lift clean either round!”
Brown, who will join Purdue University’s golf team this fall, is excited to compete on one of golf’s biggest stages. Her journey from Indiana Golf to the U.S. Women’s Open highlights her dedication, hard work, and the invaluable support she has received along the way. As she tees it up in Lancaster, she carries with her the hopes and pride of the Indiana golf community.