When Paula Creamer won the U.S. Women’s Open at Oakmont (Pennsylvania) Country Club 11 years ago, she earned – among other spoils – a 10-year exemption into the championship. This year, however, Creamer will benefit from a special exemption into the 76th U.S. Women’s Open.
The special invitation from the USGA makes Creamer one of 12 past champions who will compete at Olympic Club in San Francisco on June 3-6.
“As a U.S. Open champion, I’m honored to accept this special exemption into the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open at The Olympic Club,” said Creamer. “Growing up in Northern California, one of my fondest golf memories was attending the 1998 U.S. Open at The Olympic Club with my father, which truly sparked my love for USGA championships and the complete test they present to the players. To this day, winning the U.S. Open is the proudest achievement of my career.”
Two-time champion Karrie Webb of Australia was the last player to receive a special exemption into the championship, accepting one in both 2018 and 2019. Before that, Se Ri Pak, the 1998 Women’s Open champion, was extended an invitation into the 2016 championship at CordeValle in San Martin, California. Juli Inkster played the 2013 Women’s Open at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, New York on a special invite, too.
Creamer has not competed on the LPGA since the BMW Ladies Championship in October 2019. She did not play last year’s U.S. Women’s Open at Champions Golf Club in Houston in December.
After competing in a handful of Florida mini-tour events, Creamer is expected to play the Pure Silk Championship at Kingsmill later this month.