Tag: LPGA Q-Series

LPGA regulation changes include ones that would’ve benefited Rose Zhang

Several changes will impact those without LPGA status who find the winner’s circle.

The headline on Friday regarding changes to the upcoming LPGA season centered around a change in how cards will be allotted in 2025.

Essentially, there will be five more cards awarded to Epson Tour players, rewarding full-season performance on the developmental tour. Meanwhile, fewer players will leave LPGA Q-Series with status. (Though more players will receive full cards at Q-Series than in previous years.)

But beyond those big changes, however, there are a number of smaller shifts in LPGA regulations that are worth noting. Several changes, in particular, will impact those without LPGA status who find the winner’s circle.

Here are four changes worth noting:

LPGA is changing how tour cards will be allotted for 2025

This change will allow all athletes earning LPGA membership from Q-Series more access into LPGA tournaments.

On Friday, the LPGA and Epson Tour announced changes to how LPGA tour cards will be allotted for the 2025 season.

At the end of 2024 LPGA Q-Series, the top 25 finishers and ties will earn LPGA status for the 2025 season. In addition, the Epson Tour will now award five additional LPGA cards through the new points-based ranking system at the conclusion of the season finale, the Epson Tour Championship.

This change will allow all athletes earning LPGA membership from Q-Series more access into LPGA tournaments and place greater emphasis on rewarding full-season performance for players in Category 15 (LPGA 101-125 and Epson 11-15).

Previously, players who finished in the top 45 and ties at LPGA Q-Series would earn LPGA status in Categories 14 (Nos. 1-20) or 15 (Nos. 21-45). Players who complete all rounds before the cut at LPGA Q-Series will earn Epson Tour status.

“Changing the number of cards awarded at LPGA Q-Series aligns with the mission of the LPGA to identify the very best players in the world and provide the opportunity for the most talented athletes to succeed at the highest level,” LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said in a release. “This change aims to reward full-season performance while also giving the world’s rising talent an opportunity to compete for coveted LPGA Tour status.”

The Epson Tour’s Race for the Card will now offer an increased opportunity for aspiring women’s golfers to reach the top professional tour in the world. In addition to the fully exempt cards awarded to the top 10 finishers on the Epson Tour, five additional cards will be awarded LPGA status in Category 15. The introduction of these five cards is the first increase in card opportunities through the Epson Tour since the expansion from five to 10 in 2007.

“We are thrilled to announce the news of expanded access to the LPGA for Epson Tour Members at the end of the upcoming season,” said the Epson Tour’s Chief Business and Operations Officer, Jody Brothers, in a release. “We annually review the performance data of our recent graduates, and the additional access substantiates that Epson Tour athletes are arriving to the LPGA ready to perform at the highest stage.”

The top 10 in the Epson Tour’s Race for the Card will continue to earn status in Category 9 on the LPGA’s priority list for 2025. Beginning in 2024, those finishing Nos. 11-15 will earn 2025 LPGA status in Category 15. They will be zippered with LPGA members finishing Nos. 101-125 on the Race to CME Globe Points List, alternating in the following order: LPGA No. 101, Epson No. 11, LPGA No. 102, Epson No. 12, and so forth.

Meet the 50 players who earned 2024 LPGA status at Q-Series

Australia’s Robyn Choi topped the field with a 29-under total over the course of six rounds.

A total of 50 players earned LPGA status for the 2024 season at Q-Series. Australia’s Robyn Choi topped the field with a 29-under total over the course of six rounds, earning $15,000.

This year’s event, cut down from the traditional eight rounds, was held at Robert Trent Jones’ Magnolia Grove Golf Course in Mobile, Alabama. A field of 104 players began the week and a cut was made after 72 holes. Players who finished in the top 20 and ties earned Category 14 status, while those who finished from T-23 to T-45 earned Category 15.

The big move of the day belonged to Lauren Hartlage, who skyrocketed from T-60 to 16th with a closing 63.

“The last two years I had to come back to Q-School to earn my card back,” said Hartlage. “This time I feel like I’m getting better in learning the ropes of how the LPGA works, so I’m super excited to get back out there.”

LPGA veteran Jennifer Song had good friend Amy Yang on the bag this week. Yang, of course, won the CME Group Tour Championship last month and a $2 million first-place prize. Song finished tied for 17th to earn her card back.

“I think I got like 200 percent confidence from her,” said Song. “You know, just having a close friend, it’s a long week, and I knew I had the game to play well, but I just needed to feel relaxed out there, and then a friend was just what I needed out there.”

Added Yang: “You know, Jennifer, she prepared everything. Her game was so ready to go already at home. I just needed to carry the bag and just talk other stuff and make her feel comfortable.

“I really didn’t do enough other than that.”

Here’s a closer look at the 50 players who earned LPGA status for 2024:

Aussie Robyn Choi leads by three as LPGA Q-Series field cut to 70

Two rounds remain in the 108-hole marathon at RTJ’s Magnolia Grove.

The field at LPGA Q-Series was cut to the top 65 and ties after the fourth round in Mobile, Alabama. A total of 70 players advanced. Two rounds remain in the 108-hole marathon at RTJ’s Magnolia Grove.

Australia’s Robyn Choi, No. 339 in the Rolex Rankings, leads the field by three strokes after carding back-to-back 64s. Choi, who hasn’t made a bogey in her last 57 holes, paces the field at 21-under 265. Japan’s Yuri Yoshida and Korea’s So Mi Lee both shot 65 in the fourth round and are tied for second at 18 under.

“I think I hit most greens,” said Choi, who last played on the LPGA in 2020. “I’m hitting them close as well, making the putts. Definitely making more than I have the last few months, so that’s good … just everything in general is clicking together, I think.”

Former U.S. Solheim Cup player Mina Harigae, who finished 101st on the CME points list, missing her full card by a single position, holds a share of fifth at 14 under.

Mina Harigae/LPGA photo
Mina Harigae/LPGA photo

Former Clemson fifth-year senior Savannah Grewal shot 67 to remain in the top 10 at 13 under. Grewal, who recently turned professional to compete in Q-Series, medaled at the first stage of qualifying school and then opted to leave college after sailing through the second stage.

Over the past year, Grewal dropped four strokes off her scoring average in college golf.

“I think honestly, just knowing that I’m good enough to compete out here is a big thing,” said Grewal. “I think that helps with the confidence for sure.”

The top 45 and ties after 108 holes will earn 2024 LPGA eligibility, with players finishing 1-20 receiving a higher category of status.

The cut fell at 3 under. Notable players who missed the cut include Natthakritta Vongtaveelap, Emma Talley, Christina Kim, Emma Spitz and Su Oh.

The final round, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was pushed to Wednesday after three inches of rain fell on Saturday in Mobile, forcing Saturday’s third round to be postponed to Sunday.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 tag=451203845]

LPGA Q-Series reaches halfway point after heavy rain adds extra day to the schedule

The 108-hole grind that is the 2023 LPGA Q-Series will go to a seventh day.

The 108-hole grind that is the 2023 LPGA Q-Series will go to a seventh day.

Three inches of rain Saturday in Mobile, Alabama, led to the postponement of the third round, which had to roll over to Sunday. The final round will now happen Wednesday.

There are 104 golfers at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail competing for LPGA cards for the 2024 season. Robyn Choi of Australia leads the way at 13 under after 54 holes. She shot the lone 64 (7 under) at the Falls Course on Sunday. Three golfers – India’s Diksha Dagar, American Lauren Stephenson and Colombia’s Mariajo Uribe – posted 8-under 64s on the Crossings Course on Sunday.

Tied for second at 12 under, a shot back, are Japan’s Mao Saigo, Korea’s Hyo Joon Jang and Mira Harigae of the U.S., who finished 101st in the CME points, one spot out of earning a 2024 card. She also dropped from 49th to 120th in the Rolex Rankings. Rounds of 68-66-68 so far this week have her in solid position at Q-Series.

There will be a cut after the fourth round, which is now going to be on Monday, with the low 65 and ties advancing. The projected cut as of Sunday night is 3 under. Come Wednesday, the top 45 and ties will earn their cards. Any player who completes 72 holes will receive Epson Tour status.

The LPGA is sticking to the six-round schedule and also wants to “allow maintenance crews to prepare the golf courses and provide the fairest course conditions for the competition,” the tour said in a release.

The re-worked daily schedule, according to the LPGA, now looks like this:

  • Round 4 will start at 7:30 a.m. ET on Monday from No. 1 tee only
  • After round 4, the cut will be made of the top 65 players and ties
  • Round 5 will start at 7:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday on Crossings Course from No. 1 and 10 tee
  • Round 6 will start at 7:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday on Crossings Course from No. 1 and 10 tees

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1373]

Two weeks after winning $2 million at CME, Amy Yang is at LPGA Q-Series – as a caddie

The five-time LPGA winner is instead caddying at LPGA Q-Series for good friend Jennifer Song.

Amy Yang is back inside the ropes after winning the CME Group Tour Championship and the $2 million first-place prize. Only Yang wont’t hit any shots. The five-time LPGA winner is instead caddying at LPGA Q-Series for good friend Jennifer Song, according to lpga.com.

Yang, 34, last played at LPGA Q-School in 2008, but agreed to return to help Song, who finished 149th on the CME points list, which determines LPGA status. The top 100 on the CME list keep full status each year.

Song, 33, missed 11 cuts in 18 starts on tour in 2023. The 2009 U.S. Women’s Amateur and U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links champion, Song has recorded 13 career top-10 finishes and made $3,006,404 since joining the tour in 2011.

Jennifer Song of the United States plays her second shot on the 18th hole on Day One of the ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by AVIV Clinics at Galgorm Castle Golf Club on August 17, 2023 in United Kingdom. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

The newly abbreviated LPGA Q-Series got underway Thursday at the Robert Trent Jones’ Magnolia Grove Golf Course in Mobile, Alabama. The event, which has been shortened from 144 holes to 108 holes, concludes Dec. 5.

Song is one of 104 players who will compete over the Falls and Crossings courses, with a cut after Round 4 to low 65 and ties.

Players who finish in the top 45 and ties will earn 2024 LPGA cards, with those in the top 20 earning a higher status.

LPGA Q-Series: Tour winners, Solheim Cup players and brand new pros set for 108-hole grind

Players who finish in the top 45 and ties will earn 2024 LPGA cards.

An abbreviated LPGA Q-Series gets underway on Thursday at Robert Trent Jones’ Magnolia Grove Golf Course in Mobile, Alabama. The event, which has been shortened from 144 holes to 108 holes, concludes on Dec. 5.

A field of 104 players will compete over the Falls and Crossings courses, with a cut after Round 4 to low 65 and ties. Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Hae Ran Ryu medaled at the 2022 Q-Series.

Players who finish in the top 45 and ties will earn 2024 LPGA cards. Those who finish in the top 20 and ties will earn the Category 14 status while those who are 21-45 and ties will fall into Category 15.

Any player who completes 72 holes will receive Epson Tour status.

Here’s a breakdown of notables in the field:

See which amateurs just turned pro for chance to earn LPGA card, and which ones are staying in school

The deadline for players to sign up for Q-Series as a professional was Nov. 17.

NAPLES, Fla. — Savannah Grewal picked a fine time to be playing the best golf of her life. The Clemson fifth-year senior took a share of first at Stage 1 of LPGA Qualifying school and then promptly won her first college tournament at the Cougar Classic. Over the past year, she’s dropped four strokes off her scoring average.

After sailing through the second stage of Q-School last month, Grewal has decided to turn professional to compete in the upcoming LPGA Q-Series.

“It feels kind of surreal so far,” she said what lies ahead, “something I’ve been dreaming about since I was 8 years old.”

The second stage of LPGA Q-School wrapped up in Venice, Florida, Oct. 20 and of the 188 who started the week, 41 advanced. Among those 41 were nine amateurs, including Grewal (T-6) and LSU’s Ingrid Lindblad, who topped the field by four strokes with an 18-under total.

Lindblad, a fifth-year senior who is currently No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, shot 67-66-70-67 at Plantation Golf and Country Club’s Bobcat and Panther courses.

The deadline for players to sign up for Q-Series as a professional was Nov. 17. Lindblad was one of five amateurs who decided to forgo Q-Series and keep their Epson Tour status.

Clemson coach Kelley Hester offered Grewal an opportunity to come back for a fifth year knowing that she’d sign up for Q-School. Hester viewed whatever happened as a win-win situation.

“It was ultimately her decision,” said Hester, “but we knew that if she maLast year, the LPGA changed its Q-Series criteria, requiring players to turn professional before they can compete for an LPGA card.de it to the third stage, there’s no guarantees you get back there. So go for it.”

This year’s LPGA Q-Series takes place Nov. 30 to Dec. 5 in Mobile, Alabama, at the Magnolia Grove Golf Course.

Grewal credits her success so far at Qualifying school to her steady approach – not to high and not too low.

She has tidied up her wedge play over the past year and improved her speed control on the greens, cutting down on the number of three-putts. The pre-med major also saw a dramatic dip in her course load as she began pursuing a second degree in French.

For as long as she can remember, Grewal has enjoyed warming up with a 9-iron. In fact, she hits so many 9-irons in a practice session that she had to get a second 9-iron just to use on the range.

It’s no wonder that ball-striking is the best part of her game.

From a personal growth standpoint, Hester said Grewal reminds her of Stacy Lewis in terms of how she has blossomed during her time at Arkansas.

“The only other player I know who developed that much and become that confident in themselves over time is Stacy,” said Hester.

High praise for a player as she prepares to play for chance to compete against the best in the world.

Take a look at which players decided to turn pro, and after those, see which players are joining Lindblad by going back to school:

Nine amateurs advanced through Stage 2 of LPGA Q-School. Now they have a decision to make

These golfers will soon have to make a decision about turning pro or go back to school.

The second stage of LPGA Q-School took place last week in Venice, Florida, and of the 188 who started the week, 41 advanced. Among those 41 were nine amateurs, including LSU’s Ingrid Lindblad, who topped the field by four strokes with an 18-under total.

Lindblad, a fifth-year senior who is currently No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, shot 67-66-70-67 at Plantation Golf and Country Club’s Bobcat and Panther courses.

Last year, the LPGA changed its Q-Series criteria, requiring players to turn professional before they can compete for an LPGA card. The deadline for players to sign up for Q-Series as a professional is 5 p.m. ET on Friday, November 17.

Lindblad said she’s decided to go back to school for one more semester.

“At the beginning of the year I’m like I am probably just going to go through the whole Q-Series and like peace out,” said Lindblad, “but I was talking to my coaches, and I really like it at LSU. Like, our coaches are awesome. This year we have a really good team, so I just want to give it a chance to get another SEC and maybe a national championship.”

Lindblad left Venice with Epson Tour status for 2024.

2023 NCAA Women's Golf Championships
Ingrid Lindblad from LSU plays her tee shot on the 10th hole during the first day of stroke play competition at the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championships at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale. (Photo: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic)

Notable amateurs who missed the cut include Southern Cal’s Amari Avery and former U.S. Women’s Amateur champion Jensen Castle.

This year’s LPGA Q-Series takes place Nov. 30 to Dec. 5 in Mobile, Alabama, at the Magnolia Grove Golf Course.

Here are the eight other amateurs who will soon have to make a similar decision about turning pro:

Gabriela Ruffels, now a two-time winner on the Epson Tour, never let failing to sign up for LPGA Q-Series keep her down

Now a two-time winner in six starts on the Epson Tour, Ruffels said: “I feel the job is not done.”

Gabriela Ruffels didn’t do much to celebrate her record-setting victory last week at the Garden City Charity Classic at Buffalo Dunes. The 23-year-old simply headed to Denver with her mom for an early flight back home to Palm Springs, California.

Now a two-time winner in six starts on the Epson Tour, Ruffels said it’s too early to celebrate: “I feel the job is not done.”

The job, of course, is securing an LPGA card, a goal that was deterred when the former U.S. Women’s Amateur champion forgot to sign up for Q-Series last year. Such a costly mistake could’ve led to a mental break, but Ruffels gave herself a couple of days to feel disappointed and then accepted that she’d be spending another full season on the qualifying tour and “used it as motivation.”

She also had a frank conversation with her team.

“Last year I came 15th on the Epson tour money list,” said Ruffels. “I didn’t kill it out there. … I need to get better.”

The top 10 players on the Epson Tour money list earn LPGA cards for the following season. Ruffels holds a sizable lead in the money race with $89,262. Natasha Andrea Oon sits in second at $54,627.

Ruffels said her game has improved this season but not by a wide margin. Good play, she notes, is a culmination of solid work, and she feels as though she’s building on that foundation every week.

Not to mention getting comfortable being in contention and learning how to win at the professional level.

“One of the most important things in golf and in sport,” she said.

Ruffels, a former elite tennis player turned hungry pro golfer, didn’t start playing golf seriously until age 15 and rocketed up the world amateur rankings while playing for USC. In her first Q-School appearance in 2021, she missed out on advancing to Q-Series by a single stroke.

Last week in Garden City, Kansas, Ruffels opened with a bogey-free 10-under 62 and set a new 36-hole tour record at 18-under 126, breaking the old mark by three shots.

Ruffels, who said she plays best when she’s aggressive, wound up tying the tour’s 54-hole record by week’s end at 19-under 197. She pulled from the experience she had winning the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic in March.

“Since I’ve played professional golf, I haven’t really been in that situation that much,” said Ruffels. “I never really had a lead. Being able to close it out with at two-shot lead in Phoenix, that gave me a huge confidence boost.”

Ruffels’ parents, Anna-Maria Fernandez and Ray Ruffels, were professional tennis players while older brother Ryan plays professional golf. Mom has been on Ruffels’ bag most weeks since last spring, and her presence on tour has especially helped outside the ropes. Professional life, Ruffels noted, can be a lonely road.

“This year I felt like I’ve listened to them more,” said Ruffels of her parents’ advice. “I’ve kind of matured in the sense that I guess I’m listening to them more and knowing they’ve been professionals and their experiences correlate with the sport I’m in.”

Several years ago, the Epson Tour got rid of the “battlefield promotion” route to the LPGA, which gave players a card midseason after earning three victories on the developmental tour. Because players weren’t getting many starts through the promotion, the tour felt it was somewhat of a false promise.

The only way Ruffels could play her way onto the tour in 2023 would be to win an LPGA event. She’ll tee it up in a U.S. Women’s Open qualifier in Vancouver next Monday, hoping to earn a spot at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01es6rjnsp3c84zkm6 player_id=01evcfxp4q8949fs1e image=]