Alexa Pano and Lucy Li have both competed in 22 LPGA events together before joining the LPGA as members this week at the 2023 Drive On Championship. Ellinor Sudow, who is a Swedish player, was sandwiched between them at the pre-tournament presser. She didn’t consider the LPGA until college. This is her first LPGA start.
23 of the 31 LPGA rookies are participating in this week’s first full-field domestic event. Li, who was awarded her card last year by placing in the top 10 of the Epson Tour, hasn’t played in an LPGA event in over a year. Q-Series qualified both Pano and Sudow.
Li, 20 years old, was busy working on her University of Pennsylvania schoolwork in the midst of practice. Soon, she will declare a double major of data analytics and psychology. Pano (18 years old) and Li (18 years old) went on to become professional after high school.
Li said, “I am taking one course right now and have just started my junior-year in college.”
Pano, who became famous for her appearance in “The Short Game” on Netflix, finished 32nd at the LET’s Aramco Saudi Ladies International in Feburary and then played two events in the Epson Tour. Pano made her debut on the LPGA in 2018 with the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic. She has made it to the final eight times.
Pano said, “It feels like I have been working towards it for a really long while.”
Pano and Li were the headlines in pre-teens. Sudow, however, took up golf late in life and was never able to qualify for the Swedish National Team. Sudow, who had played collegiately at UNC Charlotte and Arizona for graduate school, signed up for qualifying schools in hopes of obtaining Epson Tour status. He was awarded an LPGA card.
Sudow said, “I was super excited to be here yesterday,” “just coming down for the first time, seeing all the players, having Nelly (Korda behind me and all the cool stuff.”
Pano spoke about her goals for the season and talked about learning and being open to new ideas. Pano shared similar thoughts with Li, who talked about being focused on her process.
Sudow, however, didn’t hold back.
Sudow stated, “I think that we are stupid if it isn’t clear that we want to be Rookies of the Year and win a tourney.” “That’s why they’re here. We are here to compete. It would be awesome to me. I set high goals.
“I don’t know if these are realistic, but that’s the dream and what it’s all about.”
Here are some LPGA rookies making this week’s tour debut:
