Williams Qualifies for Open With Bullet Lodged in Ribs

Kim Williams, who was shot in the neck 10 days ago and still has the bullet lodged in her rib cage, shot a one-under-par 72 Monday and qualified for this month’s U.S. Women’s Open.

Few expected Williams, 31, to be there after she was accidentally shot while walking to a drug store in Niles, Ohio, where she was playing in the Youngstown-Warren LPGA Classic.

But after an exceptional performance in last weekend’s Jamie Farr Classic in Toledo, where she tied for 10th, Williams continued her fine play at Franklin Hills Country Club.

“I played all right considering how tired I was. I’m physically exhausted,” Williams said. “(My wound) is OK, but my legs are very tired. I can’t even get up and walk across the parking lot.”

Her misfortune has gained her a lot of attention.

The native of Bethesda, Md., has never made the cut in the Open, including the 1989 tournament held at Indianwood.

“I’ve played in a bunch of them, some of them as an amateur, and haven’t played well,” Williams said. “This year it will be different, hopefully. I have a better attitude. I’ve been playing better the last five weeks.”

Meanwhile, Police in Niles said Gary Swaney, who says he accidentally shot Williams, will be charged in connection with the shooting.

Alicia Dibos of Peru fired a course-record 65 to easily win medalist honors at Franklin Hills. The Open will be held July 21-24 at the Indianwood Golf & Country Club in Lake Orion.