North Carolina State University Athletics
Walking The Open
7/20/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
July 20, 2005
Lauren Harling, a rising sophomore on the NC State women's golf team, had the unique opportunity to volunteer at the U.S. Open (men's golf) at Pinehurst No. 2 last month. Harling, who grew up not far from Pinehurst in Laurinburg, N.C., walked the course for the first three rounds as a standard bearer.
"On Wednesday I walked with Jay Haas, Fred Couples and John Cook," Harling said. "We started on the 10th tee and Bart Bryant joined us at the turn that day. He had just won the Memorial Tournament on the tour two weeks earlier. Then Tom Pernice Jr. joined in the fourth fairway to finish the last five holes with us. They were a fun group and all were extremely nice. I got my picture taken with Fred Couples.
 Lauren Harling with Fred Couples at 2005 U.S. Open  |
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"On Thursday I was in a group with James Driscoll, D.J. Brigman and Jason Gore, who was tied for second going into the last round," Harling continued. "On Friday I walked with Scott Parel, Lee Rinker and Eric Meichtry. I attended The Open on Saturday and Sunday with my family."
Harling led the Wolfpack to a 14th place finish at the 2005 NCAA East Regional Championship to cap the most successful season in the program's history. Continuing to improve her game this summer, Harling carded a 73-79-81 at the North Carolina Women's State Amateur Championship at the par 73 Sedgefield CC in Greensboro, N.C., June 21-23 to finish in 16th place.
Her experience at the U.S. Open this summer also has enriched her golf game.
