Memphis' Rachel Heck, youngest in U.S. Women's Open at 15, makes cut

By John Varlas
Memphis Commercial Appeal
Rachel Heck tees off on the eighth hole during the second round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club-New Jersey on July 14, 2017.

Rachel Heck is staying the weekend.

Heck — the St. Agnes sophomore playing in her first tournament against the pros — is at 2-over 146 at the U.S. Women's Open in Bedingfield, N.J., just under the cut line of 3-over.

At 15, she's the youngest competitor in the field. She began the day three strokes off the lead at 3-under after finishing just 12 holes Thursday because of a weather delay. She finished her first round at even-par 72, then shot a 2-over 74 in the second round.

And even though she ran into some troublesome holes, she displayed the poise and skill of a veteran as she navigated her way through Trump National.

More:At 15, Memphis golfing phenom heads to U.S. Women's Open

The USA Today high school girls golfer of the year got back to 3-under in the second round after birdieing the 533-yard par-5 No. 8. But she immediately gave back all three strokes with a triple bogey on No. 9.

Heck battled back to 1-under with a birdie on the 341-yard par-4 No. 12 but bogeyed three of her final six holes. She played 24 holes on Friday.

Former University of Memphis standout Marissa Steen was a 5-under at one point Friday before tailing off to finish at 1-under. The Ohioan ran into trouble on her final three holes as she bogeyed No. 7, doubled-bogeyed No. 8 and bogeyed No. 9.

China's Shanshan Feng leads at 8-under.

Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas