Former Duke teammates Gina Kim and Jaravee Boonchant planned to eat steak at their house on the eve before Week 2 of LPGA Q-Series. Kim thought she would bake brownies for dessert.
Talking about food during LPGA Qualifying School is not only practical but a welcome distraction. Kim offered to be her caddie for the final stage after Boonchant won the Epson Tour Championship, which was held in October. She finished 12th on the money-list. Kim placed eighth on the moneylist, which secured her LPGA card in 2023. Boonchant was $1,765 less than 10th.
Last week, 100 players started the Q-Series two-week grind. 75 of them made it to the 72-hole cut. Four Duke players were there, including Ana Belac and Lindy Duncan as well as Miranda Wang, Boonchant, and Lindy Wang. They will tee off again at the Highland Oakes Golf Course, Dothan, Alabama, Dec. 8-11. Scores are carried over from Week 1.
The 2019 Blue Devils team won the NCAA Championship with the participation of Wang, Kim, Belac, and Boonchant. Both Kim and Boonchant are rookies on this season’s Epson Tour. Kim decided to skip her final semester of college golf, after finishing last year’s LPGA Q-Series T-36. This May, she graduated with a psychology degree. Boonchant drove from Durham to attend the ceremony.
Boonchant, who described herself as an indecisive golfer, said, “I’ve been telling Gina everyday, I think she believes more in me than I do in myself.”
The college stroke average of the Thai native was 71.99, which is third in Duke history.
Jaravee Boonchant, Gina Kim, and they celebrate a shot at QSeries. (Epson Tour Photo)
Kim would walk down with Boonchant to practice when she returned to college in 2021, during the covid-19 pandemic. They asked each other the same question every day: “What’s for dinner?”
Although they practiced separately, the two created a routine that helped them push each other.
Kim complimented her friend’s ball-striking and said that her game was perfect for a marathon like Q-Series.
Kim of Boonchant’s 11th-72 hole share said, “I believe that’s why she is in a good place now.” “She played smart.”
Boonchant was a freshman when Leona Maguire, a senior at Duke, was playing. Boonchant, who had never played on a team prior to college golf, was inspired by Maguire’s work ethic. Maguire has the lowest stroke average (70.97) among NCAA golfers who have played 100 rounds or more. Maguire was the first Irish player to win the LPGA earlier in the year.
Boonchant said, “Hopefully we get to experience it one day.”
LPGA cards will be awarded to the top 45 players and ties for 2023 by the top 45 players and tie. The top 20 finishers earn Category 14 status. Those between 12 and 45 earn Category 15. All those who finish outside of the top 45 earn Epson Tour status.
Kim stated that it is an honor to be back at Q-Series and take on a new role in the company.
“The No. Kim said, “The No. It seems very straightforward to me when I look at it.”
It’s now up to you to help a Boonchant get the job done.
