JoAnne “Big Mama” Carner, an 85-year-old former LPGA star, is gearing up for her 50th career USGA championship at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in Pennsylvania. Despite her age, Carner is still an avid smoker, joking about the number of stairs she must climb at the golf club. Carner has a long history of success in Pennsylvania, winning both her U.S. Women’s Open titles in the state and claiming her first USGA title in 1956.
At this year’s U.S. Senior Women’s Open, Carner’s goal is to make the cut against a field of competitors who are decades younger than her. She has been working on improving her distance with the help of a new coach and dealing with challenges like slowed greens due to maintenance work at her home club in Florida. Despite her age, Carner has had strong performances in the past, shooting her age or better multiple times in USGA championships.
Carner, the oldest player to compete in a USGA championship, will be using a cart due to her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) making it difficult to walk hilly courses. She will be playing a 5,964-yard layout at Fox Chapel Golf Club and will have her familiar caddie Trevor Marrs on the bag for support. Other past champions like Juli Inkster and Laura Davies will also be competing in the event, adding to the star-studded lineup.
While Carner has attracted much attention for her longevity and dedication to the game, she is not the only standout player in the field. Champions like Laura Davies, Helen Alfredsson, Annika Sorenstam, Jill McGill, and Trish Johnson will also be vying for the title. Additionally, Hall of Fame members like Juli Inkster, Hollis Stacy, Sorenstam, and Davies will be competing, adding to the prestige of the event.
Amateur Carol Semple Thompson, a seven-time USGA champion, received a special exemption to compete in the U.S. Senior Women’s Open. Thompson, a Pennsylvania native, is well-known for her long history of success in USGA championships and her pivotal role in past Curtis Cup victories. The 75-year-old Thompson holds the record for the most USGA championship appearances with 121, showcasing her enduring love for the game.
In the lead-up to the championship, players like JoAnne Carner have been diligently preparing, with Carner often spotted working on her game at the range. Despite the physical challenges that come with age, Carner and her fellow competitors continue to showcase their passion for golf and their determination to compete at the highest level. As the U.S. Senior Women’s Open kicks off, fans can expect to see a display of skill, resilience, and enduring love for the game from this group of talented and accomplished players.
