May 29, 2001

DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke's Candy Hannemann and Leigh Anne Hardin will each compete in the U.S. Women's Open this week, which will be held from May 31-June 3 at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C.

It will mark the second time Hannemann has competed in the U.S. Open as the junior native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil did not make the cut in 1998. Hannemann is coming off winning the NCAA Individual title in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. this past weekend at the NCAA Championships. So far in three NCAA Tournament appearances she has finished first and second in two of them.

Hardin, a product of Martinsville, Ind., will be making her first appearance at the U.S. Open. The freshman finished the season with a 75.30 stroke average and seven top 20 finishes. She shot a 70 on at the NCR Country Club in Kettering, Ohio to earn the U.S. Open bid, while Hannemann fired a 73 at the Standard Club in Duluth, Ga. to qualify.