|
Share this
Mister Wong
Digg
Del.icio.us
Slashdot
Furl
Yahoo
Technorati
Newsvine
Googlize this
Blinklist
Facebook
Wikio
Export PDF
Print
E-mail
Tags
The LPGA Tour's qualifying tournament is set to begin on Wednesday at the LPGA International facility in Daytona Beach, Florida. The 90 hole tournament features a 140 player field that is vying for 20 Category 11 positions on the LPGA Tour's priority list - the eligibility requirement list that has replaced the prior, less-detailed exemption system.
The Category 11 position is shared between the top 20 finishers in this week's qualifying tournament and players that finished between 81st and 100th on the 2008 LPGA Tour money list. The Q-school medalist will be first in the category, followed by 81st on the money list, then the runner-up at Q-school, and so forth.
Though the reward for finishing in the top twenty is the same for all of the 140 in the field, the aim of finishing in the top 20 is different for each class of player.
There are players like Michelle Wie that were considered "non-exempt" last season and, with a top 20 finish this week, would have modest priority status on the LPGA Tour this season. Her eligibility for tournaments would drastically improve versus where she is right now.
Stacy Lewis tried very hard to earn her LPGA Tour card through sponsor exemptions, but was unable to do so because of her play in those events and the fact that her earnings for the US Women's Open ($162,487) were not counted towad the money list because of LPGA rules. She is looking to secure higher priority for 2009.
The players that finished between sixth and tenth on the Duramed Futures Tour money list - the LPGA Tour's developmental Tour - have entered the field to improve their status for the upcoming season. These players have earned Category 17 priority status for next season and would be able to move up six priority levels with a top twenty.
The tournament is similarly grueling for all players, though. The 90 hole format includes two trips each around the two courses at LPGA International. Following those four rounds, the field will be cut to the low 70 and ties that will play for playing status next season.
Even if players do not get into the top 20, they can still earn status for finishing in the top 40. Finishers 21 through 30 will receive Category 16 status. Those finishing 31st through 40th will earn Category 20 status.
Golf News Net will have daily coverage of the event and Waggle Room will provide running commentary.
