The final stage of LPGA qualifying isn’t all that stressful, so Mother Nature is adding to the anxiety. After Thursday’s season opener in Mobile, Alabama, was postponed several times, the Tour announced the first round would be postponed to Friday due to heavy rain and course conditions. As of mid-morning, the course had received 1.5 inches of rain from the night before. More rain is forecast for the next two days.
The frigid 90-hole stroke play tournament will be contested on RTJ’s Magnolia Grove, Crossings and Falls courses. The final qualifying round is scheduled to conclude on Monday, December 8th, with the top 25 players earning an LPGA card. The field of 116 is reduced to 65 and tied after 72 holes. Everyone who completes four rounds will receive Epson Tour status.
Last year’s medalist, Japan’s Miyu Yamashita, won the AIG Women’s British Open and Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year.
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One of the most moving stories in the field this year concerns 34-year-old Kim Kaufman, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last December and was forced to withdraw from the final round. Last month, Kaufman made it through the second stage and secured his spot in Mobile.
A total of 20 athletes started in the first stage (pre-qualification) and advanced to Mobile. Among them is 17-year-old Gianna Clemente, who received a special exemption from LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler to compete this week.
Eight amateurs turned pro this week, including Brooke Bierman, Jordan Fisher, Lauren Gomez, Carolina López Chacala, Carolina Melgrati, Lauren Olivares, Svichaya Vinnichaitham and Clemente.
In addition to two major champions, Hinako Shibuno and Jeong-Eun Lee6, four LPGA winners returned for the final stage, including Ryan O’Toole and Jody Ewart Shadoff.
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Nine of the top 10 players in LET’s Race to Costa del Sol are competing, including medal winner Shannon Tan, who is aiming to become the first Singaporean to earn an LPGA card.
Former FSU standout Malaysian Mirabel Ting shared medalist honors in the second stage with five-time Japanese LPGA champion Kona Sakurai. Ting’s qualifying stage journey began on the third anniversary of his father’s death.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: LPGA final qualifying postponed due to heavy rain, unplayable conditions
