Kueny set for shot on big stage

Former Michigan State golfer Laura Kueny is now on the job. And she said she's loving every minute of it.

After all, Kueny is the small-town girl from Whitehall teeing it off today in the biggest women's golf event in the world - the U.S. Women's Open at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa.

Kueny, who finished her senior season for MSU in the spring, is playing in just her third professional event. She missed the cut at her first Futures Tour event, then finished 11th at the Hammond (Ind.) Classic last weekend.

She earned a spot for this weekend by tying for first in May at a U.S. Open qualifier in May in Long Grove, Ill.

"I'm very pleased with how (my pro career) has gone so far," Kueny said via phone Wednesday night from Oakmont. "Qualifying for the Open this early in my career is definitely a great accomplishment.

"I'm just the small-town girl living her dream. I've come from a little dot on the map that no one has ever heard of, but people are starting to know my name."

On Wednesday, Kueny played a practice round with two-time LPGA winner and Solheim Cup star Christina Kim.

"It was just an awesome experience, she is so fun to play with," Kueny said. "I was keeping up with her, and I hit it past her a few times so that gave me a lot of confidence that I definitely belong out here.

"I feel I have the talent, but they have the experience."

Also in the Open field is Allison Fouch, a Grand Rapids native who graduated from MSU in 2004. Fouch has been on the LPGA Tour since 2008.