July 3, 2009 Mass. teen to compete in U.S. Women's Open Play video

(NECN: Jennifer Eagan) - Brittany Altomare drove, chipped, and putted her way around Cyprian Keyes golf course in Boylston Friday.

It was one of the last times the Shrewsbury teen will play at her home course before heading to the 2009 U.S. Women's Open next week.

Altomare medaled at the qualifying tournament in New Jersey in June.

“It felt really good,” Altomare said, “I was definitely thinking of my grampa because I know he would have loved to hear me say I made it.”

The 18-year-old will enter the most prestigious tournament in women's golf as one of twenty amateurs.

She's already made a name for herself in Central Massachusetts, competing on the Shrewsbury high school boys team.

Next week, she'll play alongside the pros.

Brittany's father Tom will be her caddie on the U.S. Open course in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Altomare has put in the hard work.

She practices about 50 hours a week and spends much of her time competing in tournaments across the country.

It's helped her average 250 yards off the tee, about a 20 yard improvement over the past four years.

Altomare is headed to the University of Virginia in the fall on a full scholarship to play golf

Competing in the U.S. Women's Open will be the highlight of her young career, one she hopes won't be a once in a lifetime experience.