Lydia Ko took home $2 million at CME Group Tour Championship. This was the largest winner’s check in LPGA History. 50 other players were also able to take a step closer towards that opportunity. LPGA Qualifying Stage II was held last week at Plantation Golf and Country Club, Venice, Florida. It was delayed by Hurricane Ian.
The event featured 178 players and included co-medalists Seulki Lee and Becca Huffer.
Huffer, an Epson Tour rookie in 2019, said that “I love achieving my goal.” “And I’m particularly glad that today was a day where the back nine was only rain, wind, and nastiness. That I was able to put myself in a position to not worry about it.” It was fantastic, and I am very excited to play at Q-Series.
Mariah Stackhouse, a Stanford alumna, and Aline Krauter, formerly of Stanford, were among 50 players who made it to the final stage. Kristen Gillman, whose second U.S. Women’s Amateur win, was also among those who reached the final stage. They will compete in the final round in December, over two weeks in Alabama.
Gillman finished 175th in the CME rankings.
“I know they worked hard to get it back where it can be played. It is in excellent shape, and was fun to play.
Becca Huffer plays Stage II of LPGA qualifying. (courtesy LPGA)
Eight amateurs advanced. They have until Tuesday noon to notify the LPGA if they plan to participate in Q-Series. The LPGA rules this year stipulate that only professional players can participate in the final stage. These amateurs are collegiate players Valeria Pla (Michigan State), Ashley Lau(Michigan), Hsin Yu Lu (Oregon), Jenny Bae, Georgia and Nataliya Guseva [Miami].
Bailey Shoemaker (high school senior, USC commit) missed the cut by just one. Haley Moore, a former LPGA player, closed the round with a score of 78 to finish below T-65. Bobbi Stricker (eldest daughter of PGA Tour winner Steve Stricker) also failed to advance.
All four rounds were completed by all who received limited Epson Tour status.
