Asterisk Talley, Lexi Thompson, Rose Zhang Among Notables Seeking U.S. Women’s Open Qualification

We're less than 50 days away from the 81st U.S. Women's Open at the famed Riviera Country Club in LA, and we have some pretty notable names who are looking to qualify for a coveted spot in the championship field June 4-7. From former major winners to big-time golf personalities, this list of players is pretty elite.

Qualifying will begin on Monday, April 20 and will run through May 13 at 26 sites across the United States, Canada, England and Japan.

RELATED: These are the Official U.S. Women's Open Qualifying Sites

The name that (pleasantly) surprised me the most was 2026 USA Solheim Cup captain Angela Stanford. The 48-year-old actually holds the record for the most consecutive LPGA major appearances. And let's be real, her streak of 98 straight majors spanning from the 2002 McDonald's LPGA Championship to the 2024 Chevron Championship, should count towards something!

Vying for a USWO spot is no small feat, and I would love to see Stanford back in the mix...partly because I'm keeping the playing captain hopes alive for the Solheim Cup come September.

Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang, two members of the winning U.S. Solheim Cup team in 2024 are also among those looking to snag a spot alongside Captain Stanford. Earning placement in this major will only make their Solheim chances for this year look better.

There are a few more veterans looking to qualify in Natalie Gulbis and Brittany Lincicome, two powerhouses of women's golf back when I was growing up. They hope to join their peer Michelle Wie West, who recently announced that she'll be using her final year of eligibility from her win in 2014 to compete at Riv.

Getty Images.

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Top-ranked AJGA amateur Asterisk Talley is another one one to watch, as the 2024 U.S. Women's Open at Lancaster was the genesis moment of her stardom. She was the youngest competitor in the field that week at just 15 years old and she tied for the low amateur honors that year.

The field at the USWO is among one of the most vast an expansive in women's golf, with dozens of entries being top-level amateurs across all ages, and this year it feels like the competition will heat up before we even make it to LA.

Last month, 33 players received exemption into the field via the Rolex Rankings, and the ranking cutoff, top-75 not otherwise exempt, is May 25.

Let the road to Riv commence!