Groom Part of Trio of Mid-Am Qualifier Outliers at Bel-Air

Emma Groom is just three years into a career as a freelance digital creator, where she combines photography and innovative graphic designs to assist clients with their social media channels. But when it comes to the U.S. Women’s Amateur, the 26-year-old from Eden Prairie, Minn., might as well have her AARP card. That’s just the way this championship has evolved over the years, as juniors and college players – now make up the vast majority of the 156-player field. While seven exempt mid-amateurs (25 years old and up) made it into the field for their strong performances in the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur and U.S. Senior Women’s Open, just three mid-ams earned spots via qualifying into this year’s championship at Bel-Air Country Club. And Groom, a former standout at North Dakota State University, is the elder stateswoman, joining 25-year-olds Jessica Spicer and Jackie Rogowicz. It has been 45 years since anyone older than 25 has hoisted the Robert Cox Trophy. To be fair, no male mid-amateur has won the U.S. Amateur since John Harris 30 years ago. Perhaps Groom, who posted a first-round 73, Spicer, Rogowicz (even-par 70) or one of the exempt mid-amateurs/seniors will defy the odds in 2023. Now that would certainly provide some inspiration for a creative graphic design.