Dewi Weber leads LPGA's Portland Classic with seven straight birdies after being denied an Olympic spot
Just weeks after being denied the opportunity to represent her country at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Dutch golfer Dewi Weber is making waves on the internet with her outstanding performance at the LPGA's Portland Classic. Despite qualifying for the Olympics based on the criteria set by the committee, the Dutch Federation did not send her to the prestigious games, believing there was no realistic chance for her to contend for a medal.
At the time of selection, Weber was ranked 302nd in the world and 58th in the Olympic rankings. Meanwhile, her compatriot Anne Van Dam, who was ranked 108th in the world and 34th in the Olympic rankings, was permitted to compete in the Summer Games.
Nonetheless, Dewi Weber grabbed attention with her enthralling performance at the ongoing Portland Classic. In the first round, she made seven consecutive birdies. On Thursday, August 1, she made birdies from holes 2 to 8, shooting a 6-under 66, as she also recorded a bogey in the opening round.
Weber, who was considered "not worthy" for the Olympics last month, has been phenomenal with her game this week. She followed her impressive 6-under 66 in the first round with a bogey-free round on Friday, August 2, taking the lead in the tournament.
During the second round of the Portland Classic, Weber carded a birdie on the third hole, followed by five consecutive birdies and four more birdies on the back nine, securing a two-stroke lead heading into the third round on Saturday, August 3. The tournament will conclude with the finale on Sunday, August 4.
"I can really make a statement"- Dewi Weber eyes victory at Portland Classic following impressive start
Dewi Weber has her sights set on winning the 2024 LPGA Portland Classic after a phenomenal start to the event. As the tournament takes place just a week before the women's golf event begins at the Olympics, the Dutch golfer is determined to make a statement.
Following the second round of the Portland Classic, the 28-year-old expressed her hopes of winning this week.
"We're two rounds in, so we'll see how this all unfolds and if I can really make a statement. Of course, it's in the back of my mind because it's the week before the Olympics. It was something that I was looking forward to. Again, it happened. I did what I could to let it not happen. I did not succeed," Weber said (via Golf Digest).
Weber also mentioned her fellow Dutch golfer Joost Luiten, who filed a lawsuit to compete in the Paris Olympics after being denied entry by his country. Despite winning the lawsuit, he couldn't participate in the Olympics as it was too late, and his spot had already been filled.
Adding to her statement, Dewi Weber said :
"Some [Dutch male golfers] tried even harder than I did and also ended up not succeeding. It sucks, but all we can do is try to prove why those standards were so silly, and I really hope to do that on Sunday. We'll see."
Having turned professional in 2019, Dewi Weber is seeking her maiden professional victory on the circuit.