Stage One LPGA & Symetra Tour Qualifying

[ShortStick]

This Q1 field had well over 50 amateurs, many of whom had to be teenagers. And close to 250 talented women had their dreams put on hold. So I started wondering if those ams that don’t make it all the way thru are better off growing on the Symetra Tour or on a college team? How much more valuable to college programs are girls that have qualified for Symetra (I.e. that have demonstrated that they are better than most)? And given recent NIL decisions against the NCAA can the girls do both (Symetra when college season is over)? 

[Medson]

12 hours ago, TerpFangolfer said:

yes, pretty sure that's her....although it shows a US flag, and I thought she is still a Canadian citizen? But maybe she has her US cit now?

 

Oops. Apparently, there are 2 Katherine Zhu. 

 

The one went through Q School stage 1 went to Cal. (https://calbears.com/news/2021/8/23/womens-golf-zhu-advances-at-lpga-qualifying-school.aspx)

 

Collin Morikawa's girlfriend went to Pepperdine U (https://www.golfmonthly.com/features/the-game/collin-morikawas-girlfriend-203386)

[KBong]

17 hours ago, TerpFangolfer said:

yes, pretty sure that's her....although it shows a US flag, and I thought she is still a Canadian citizen? But maybe she has her US cit now?

I'm thinking Katherine's immediate goal should be marrying Collin without having to sign a pre-nup.🤣

[KBong]

5 hours ago, ShortStick said:

This Q1 field had well over 50 amateurs, many of whom had to be teenagers. And close to 250 talented women had their dreams put on hold. So I started wondering if those ams that don’t make it all the way thru are better off growing on the Symetra Tour or on a college team? How much more valuable to college programs are girls that have qualified for Symetra (I.e. that have demonstrated that they are better than most)? And given recent NIL decisions against the NCAA can the girls do both (Symetra when college season is over)? 

The Symetra is such a grind and many players lose a ton of money playing the tour.

I think college is a better route...especially on a full ride scholarship.

BUT

Of the LPGA money leaders .....current top 30 pros....I'm just eyeballing it....

I think there are approximately 20 pros who did not attend college (on campus) nor play the Symetra.

If you're good...you're good...and on the LPGA, generally starting off as a young pro.

[KBong]

https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2021/08/23/alexa-pano-lpga-qualifying-school-denied-exemption/

 

Pano denied exemption to Q-Series.

In the above article isn't Stage III a defunct term now referred to as Q-Series?

 

Wie won her 1st LPGA at Lorena's event in Nov 2009...she was 20....she was also a LPGA member because she was successful at Q-school in Dec 2008 when she was 19...so she didn't need an age exemption to Q-school unless there was a minimum age over 18???

 

"Previous LPGA commissioners have waived the minimum rule for under-age stars Lydia Ko, Lexi Thompson, Brooke Henderson and Michelle Wie. But those four all won on the LPGA Tour before they received the exemption."

 

 

[18majors]

2 hours ago, KBong said:

"Previous LPGA commissioners have waived the minimum rule for under-age stars Lydia Ko, Lexi Thompson, Brooke Henderson and Michelle Wie. But those four all won on the LPGA Tour before they received the exemption."

 

 

 

You're right, it's an article without an author name and it's full of errors.

 

Brooke won her first LPGA title at Cambia Portland in 2015 and immediately accepted the membership.   I didn't recall she got a waiver to play Q-School the year before.

 

 

[JungleJimbo]

On 8/20/2021 at 11:38 PM, TerpFangolfer said:

Yeah, I follow her on YT, since my wife is Malaysian...too bad she had a tough 1st day

 

and yeah, I know she did fundraising stuff to get over here - played in the WAPT series events and had some decent (but not great) results

 

 

[KBong]

3 hours ago, 18majors said:

 

 

You're right, it's an article without an author name and it's full of errors.

 

Brooke won her first LPGA title at Cambia Portland in 2015 and immediately accepted the membership.   I didn't recall she got a waiver to play Q-School the year before.

 

 

The author is Craig Dolch and yes is full of errors.

 

In 2015, Brooke won in Portland I believe just a couple of weeks before her 18th bday in early Sept...so when she took immediate membership, she might have required an exemption for a week or 2...but it would have been such a mute point....and a rubber stamp by Whan for and age exemption.

[TerpFangolfer]

4 hours ago, JungleJimbo said:

 

 

Yeah, she said she's going to try a few Mon qualifiers over the next month(s) - but plans to head back to asia. I would think she might try for one of the lesser asian tours next (basically any except KLPGA or JLPGA?)

[KBong]

6 hours ago, JungleJimbo said:

 

 

I like Gene...but there was a lot of whining and excuses in the video....even though she said she wasn't making excuses....lol.

She must have said the word 'excuse' 20+ times🤣

 

I'm old skool....this GoFundMe stuff is too Pink Shirt for me....but if others want to donate...it's their money.

 

Yes....GFM didn't exist decades ago....I paid every nickel to get my undergrad and graduate degree,

How did I pay for it....I WORKED in several jobs and saved my money....and obtained some small gov't student loans....my parents had no money.

 

I also banked quite a bit by the time I finished school.

[Golf Dino]

9 hours ago, TerpFangolfer said:

Yeah, she said she's going to try a few Mon qualifiers over the next month(s) - but plans to head back to asia. I would think she might try for one of the lesser asian tours next (basically any except KLPGA or JLPGA?)

 

 

Genevieve was playing on the CLPGA (China) and the Taiwan LPGA . . . but they were suspended last year and this year due to Covid.  Hence, her decision to go back to the States to get into some events.

[BIG STU]

On 8/19/2021 at 9:28 PM, KBong said:

Our very own WRX'er...GOOBERS...Samantha Perrotta is playing

Brogan McKinnon is a Cdn version of Ryann O'Toole.

Naomi Ko is from Vanc Island.

Samantha Richdale of Kelowna has been in the minor leagues forever.

Youtuber...Genevieve Ling is playing too.

POSER Pano is playing.

 

I'm rooting for Gina Kim (Duke)....saw her play here at the 2018 Cdn Women's Am...Yealimi won.

Good to see Sammy as I call her playing. Had wondered how she was doing

 

[BIG STU]

On 8/22/2021 at 12:49 PM, goobers80 said:

It is not so cut and dry as you think it is.
 

They took less this year. The original number was 156 but i was told in email that it was a mistake. I finished T134. I think they should let more because it is about giving peoples a chance. The cut into stage 2 would not change. At +4 or 5 somebody could get hot on the greens and get into stage 2. I don’t understand why they even get cut. They did not use to. 
 

They use the same pin locations for three days and the conditions are pretty choppy. If not used to it it can catch you off guard. Putts not going in and bouncing around. 
 

I had over a dozen putts inches short or wobbling around and i missed the cut by 1. Not saying i am lpga caliber or not but in regular tour conditions i would have done much better. I would put my ball striking and short game against anybody in the field and higher levels. 
 

And a lot of these clunkers would have done worse. Never seen such bad iron play and short games for decent professionals. 
 

And anyone who finishes three rounds gets Symetra status. I was near bottom 2 years ago and was way down the list. I improved by 15 shots over last time. 

Glad to see you give it a whirl. And you improved to boot------ Life is short so give it a whirl. No need to wonder 50 years down the road if you should have tried it . You tried it and my hat is off to you

[ShortStick]

Thanks - you gave me something to think about during today’s hike. I knew Wie made the right decision for her and was thinking maybe the looser laws on commercialism for college athletes might  have an impact here. Cheers - play good!

[goobers80]

13 hours ago, BIG STU said:

Glad to see you give it a whirl. And you improved to boot------ Life is short so give it a whirl. No need to wonder 50 years down the road if you should have tried it . You tried it and my hat is off to you

And probably not stopping there until i stop getting better. Improving every year still. 

[BIG STU]

17 hours ago, goobers80 said:

And probably not stopping there until i stop getting better. Improving every year still. 

Keep on keeping on one step at the time----- That is the attitude that got me back going---- One year ago I was in a walker and now I am playing golf again. Never ever give up

[JungleJimbo]

On 8/22/2021 at 8:11 PM, Argonne69 said:

Here's the FAQ for Stage I, Stage II, and Q-Series: https://www.lpga.com/-/media/files/qualifying-tournament/2021/2021-q-series-faq_final.pdf?la=en&hash=BF425D58B1BE355E80E8E210B1352C1F6CAC2C76

 

 

 

 Is there another Stage of the Q-School that begins today?

 

i thought Stage 2 = only restarts late Oct 2021 (and that Stage 1 was completed by August 22)... 

 

..but I see that the Link for Stage 1 Leaderboard = No longer accessible

ie seems to have been replaced with tee times for ~142 ladies ? (Including some who were ranked ~150+ In the latest 2nd Reshuffle Prority List...eg Bianca P & Pannarat ... but no Kelly Tan?
Maybe Bianca & Pannarat =more in-the-ball wrt timely Registration?)

 

http://leaderboard.symetratour.com/public/QSLeaderboard.aspx?TournamentID=2021047&RoundID=1

 

..Edit: My Guess = this week’s event = the Symetra Tour’s “Circling Raven championship”... and the confusion = the recycled URL / website Link from Stage 1 of Q-series!

Edited August 26, 2021 by JungleJimbo

[HMHS]

12 hours ago, JungleJimbo said:

 Is there another Stage of the Q-School that begins today?

 

i thought Stage 2 = only restarts late Oct 2021 (and that Stage 1 was completed by August 22)... 

 

..but I see that the Link for Stage 1 Leaderboard = No longer accessible

ie seems to have been replaced with tee times for ~142 ladies ? (Including some who were ranked ~150+ In the latest 2nd Reshuffle Prority List...eg Bianca P & Pannarat ... but no Kelly Tan?
Maybe Bianca & Pannarat =more in-the-ball wrt timely Registration?)

 

http://leaderboard.symetratour.com/public/QSLeaderboard.aspx?TournamentID=2021047&RoundID=1

 

..Edit: My Guess = this week’s event = the Symetra Tour’s “Circling Raven championship”... and the confusion = the recycled URL / website Link from Stage 1 of Q-series!

this is what it is... they're harvesting potatoes this week...

[JungleJimbo]

On 8/23/2021 at 7:44 PM, 18majors said:

Congratulations, Gina!

 

Duke's Gina Kim medals at Stage I of LPGA Q-School, leads strong amateur showing

 

LPGA has also written a feature on Gina Kim here, post -Stage 1: https://www.lpga.com/news/2021/first-stage-q-school-medalist-on-a-globe-trotting-tear
 

[Bad9]

On 8/27/2021 at 12:21 AM, JungleJimbo said:

LPGA has also written a feature on Gina Kim here, post -Stage 1: https://www.lpga.com/news/2021/first-stage-q-school-medalist-on-a-globe-trotting-tear
 

Its awesome. Her hs golf coach was a long time GEA member but I don't think he is over here. Great guy to play golf with.

[Lobby]

So many youngsters dreaming big dreams. 

I hope they all do well.

[18majors]

 

The new LPGA commissioner isn't releasing the entries list for Stage II or Q-Series until they tee off.   This teasing raises huge curiosity about many prominent players.

 

Big question for Stage II is whether Gabriela Ruffels will play? 

 

Atthaya has cleared her LET schedule, she's destined for Q-Series.  However, Hinako Shibuno is no longer a sure bet.

[Argonne69]

9 minutes ago, 18majors said:

 

The new LPGA commissioner isn't releasing the entries list for Stage II or Q-Series until they tee off.   This teasing raises huge curiosity about many prominent players.

 

Big question for Stage II is whether Gabriela Ruffels will play? 

 

Atthaya has cleared her LET schedule, she's destined for Q-Series.  However, Hinako Shibuno is no longer a sure bet.

 

Why do you think Hanako wouldn't give it a shot?

 

Will be interesting to see if Mone Inami and/or Ayake Furue enter.

 

There are 5 KLPGA players who are eligible for Q-Series based on their World Ranking. Curious if any will play.

 

 

[18majors]

18 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Why do you think Hanako wouldn't give it a shot?

 

Will be interesting to see if Mone Inami and/or Ayake Furue enter.

 

There are 5 KLPGA players who are eligible for Q-Series based on their World Ranking. Curious if any will play.

 

 

 

1.    I've no new information on Hinako.  My concern is that she may be discouraged; she has played many LPGA events in the last two years without any real successes.  @Supermilo, what do you think?
2.    Both Mone and Ayaka strike me to be lifetime JLPGA players.
3.    Hae Ran Ryu #37, Hee Jeong Lim #40 and Hye Jin Choi #42 and Da Yeon Lee #54 are good bets.   

Edited September 8, 2021 by 18majors

[KBong]

2 hours ago, 18majors said:

 

1) The new LPGA commissioner isn't releasing the entries list for Stage II or Q-Series until they tee off.   This teasing raises huge curiosity about many prominent players.

 

Big question for Stage II is whether Gabriela Ruffels will play? 

 

2) Atthaya has cleared her LET schedule, she's destined for Q-Series.  However, Hinako Shibuno is no longer a sure bet.

1) Stage II doesn't start until Oct 18....well over a month away...you have no idea when the LPGA will release entries....but I suspect a week beforehand or cut after the cut-off

 

2) Unless you are Thitikul's agent or part of her team....again...you have no idea what her sked looks like.

Q-Series doesn't start until Nov 29.

Costa Del Sol ends on Nov 28.

Just because Thitkul isn't registered yet for Costa Del Sol....doesn't mean she won't play.

BUT

It will be highly unlikely to play Costa Del Sol...if indeed she has the  intention to play Q-Series cause the travel from Nov 28 to Nov 29 will create issues/conflicts.

[18majors]

1 minute ago, KBong said:

1) Stage II doesn't start until Oct 18....well over a month away...you have no idea when the LPGA will release entries....but I suspect a week beforehand or cut after the cut-off

 

 

 

Of course, I don't decide when the Entries List will be released.

 

But, for Stage I, we didn't see the Entries List until tee times were released.

[18majors]

9 minutes ago, KBong said:

Just because Thitkul isn't registered yet for Costa Del Sol....doesn't mean she won't play.

 

 

Do you want a bet for real money?

[KBong]

4 minutes ago, 18majors said:

 

Do you want a bet for real money?

I'd already said it would would be unlikely for Thitikul to play Costa Del Sol if she had plans to play Q-Series...there's a travel/timing conflict.

 

You like to throw around you money...if I recall you even mentioned you have property on the west coast....so what's preventing you from attending LPGA events?

You've got the time and money.

[North Texas]

2 hours ago, 18majors said:

 

 

Of course, I don't decide when the Entries List will be released.

 

But, for Stage I, we didn't see the Entries List until tee times were released.

 

I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure that the Entries List was available prior to tee times being released. The reason I say that is because the wife and I keep up with around 20 of the girls who played in it and we saw their names on some kind of a list. Now it may very well have been the tee time list but I really think it was an Entries List. 

[HMHS]

11 hours ago, 18majors said:

 

1.    I've no new information on Hinako.  My concern is that she may be discouraged; she has played many LPGA events in the last two years without any real successes.  @Supermilo, what do you think?
2.    Both Mone and Ayaka strike me to be lifetime JLPGA players.
3.    Hae Ran Ryu #37, Hee Jeong Lim #40 and Hye Jin Choi #42 and Da Yeon Lee #54 are good bets.   

Hinako had been "on record", as late as early this year that she's definitely trying out for the LPGA.  As well, she has her "manager" (I think that's who he is, her manager) posting a lot of "American" stuff in his/her IG (Enjoying ice cream sprinkles, travelling to and from US events, etc etc etc).  Methinks we will see Hinako at LPGA next year -- of course, she has to make Qschool first --  though I have little doubt (barring injury) she will get her LPGA card.  (Of course I'm biased BUT since you asked...)

 

As late as Pure Silk this is what she said: "“I understand that I need to earn CME points to get full LPGA Tour membership but the most important thing for me right now is to compete (here) for the next four days through the weekend,” Shibuno said. “I am focusing on what I need to work on in my game."

 

Meanwhile, with Bianca, I am not 100% confident she'll make it if she has to go to Qschool at her current play.  Hopefully she rights the ship -- still has a "small glimmer" of hope retaining her card the "normal" way this year with Cambia and Walmart... 

 

 

Edited September 9, 2021 by HMHS