NAPLES (Fla.) — Savannah Grewal chose a good time to play the best golf she has ever played. The Clemson senior fifth-year shared the top spot at Stage 1 LPGA Qualifying School and won her first college event at the Cougar Classic. In the last year, her score average has dropped by four strokes.
Grewal, who sailed through the second phase of Q-School in just one month, has decided to become a professional and compete in the LPGA Q-Series.
She said that the future is “something I have been dreaming of since I was eight years old.”
On October 20, the second stage of LPGA Q-School concluded in Venice, Florida. Of the 188 participants who began the week, only 41 made it to the finals. Nine amateurs were among the 41, including Grewal, (T-6), and LSU’s Ingrid Lindblad who led the field with an 18-under-par total.
Lindblad is a senior in her fifth year and currently ranked No. The World Amateur Golf Ranking’s No. 1 shot 67-66-70-67 on the Bobcat and Panther Courses of Plantation Golf and Country Club.
The deadline to register as a Q-Series professional player was November 17. Lindblad is one of five amateurs to have decided not to participate in Q-Series, and instead keep their Epson Tour status.
Kelley Hester, the Clemson head coach, offered Grewal the chance to return for a 5th year knowing she would sign up for Q-School. Hester saw whatever happened as a situation where everyone won.
It’s not guaranteed that you will make it back to the third round. There’s no guarantee you will get back to the third stage if you don’t make it.
The Magnolia Grove Golf Club in Mobile, Alabama will host the LPGA Q-Series from Nov. 30 through Dec. 5.
Grewal attributes her success at the Qualifying School to her steady approach. She does not go too high or too low.
Over the last year, she has improved her wedge game and her speed control on greens. This has reduced the number of three putts. She also experienced a drastic drop in course load when she started pursuing a French second degree.
Grewal, who has been playing golf for as long as Grewal can remember, loves to warm up with a nine-iron. She hit so many 9 irons during a practice session, that she bought a second one to use at the range.
No wonder her ball-striking skills are the best in her game.
Hester said Grewal reminded her of Stacy Lewis, in terms of her personal growth during her time at Arkansas.
Hester said, “Stacy is the only player I’ve ever seen develop that much over time and gain that confidence in themselves.”
A player is praised for her preparation to play against the best players in the world.
See which players have decided to go pro and then see which ones are returning to school to join Lindblad:
