Another sister act will compete on the LPGA Tour.
Yu-Sang (22) and Yu-Chiang (21), two Taiwanese sisters who play for the University of Arizona, will turn professional immediately after winning their LPGA cards at Q-Series for the 2022 season.
“It’s been our ambition since the beginning of our golf careers,” Yu-Chiang explained. “It’s been 13 years, and we’ve always wanted to play on the LPGA. It’s incredible just to achieve this objective alongside my sister, especially knowing that we’ll both be playing on the LPGA next year.”
Four amateurs were among the 46 golfers that received LPGA cards for next season. Brooke Matthews of Arkansas and Gina Kim of Duke have joined the Hous. Both have stated that they will reveal their decision on whether to go pro or defer in the coming days.
After a final-round 66, Na Rin An, a 25-year-old South Korean who has won twice on the KLPGA and is rated 64th in the world, led the field to a 33-under total for the eight-round event. Her career-best finish on the LPGA was tied for third at the BMW Ladies Championship in October.
An described the Q-Series experience as physically taxing and stated that when she returns to South Korea, she will be quarantined for ten days.
“I’m looking forward to being able to go to new locations,” she said of joining the LPGA, “and I’m also looking forward to competing alongside players that I’ve only seen on TV.”
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After a final-round 72, Frenchwoman Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, the winner of the second round and the leader heading into the final round, was unhappy not to win.
“I’m simply very delighted,” said the former Gamecock from South Carolina. “I’m not supposed to say this, but I’m a little unhappy with the last round.” I suppose it’s because I’m a competitor who enjoys competing and such.
“However, a couple of friends intervened and told me, ‘Dude, you have your LPGA card.’ That’s as if that’s what you wanted.’ So that’s all I’m concentrating on right now, and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”
Atthaya Thitikul, the 18-year-old Thai sensation who won both the Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards on the Ladies European Tour, ended solo third.
Thitikul added, “It’s like a dream come true, just a dream come true.” “I know everyone wants to be a member of the LPGA since it’s the biggest tour for women in the world, and I’ve done it.”
Ayaka Furue, the world’s No. 15 player, finished seventh, with major champion Hinako Shibuno tied for 20th and two-time Solheim Cup player Emily Kristine Pedersen tied for 14th.
Sarah Jane Smith, a long-time LPGA golfer and mother, and Mariah Stackhouse both made the cut for a card on the number at 4 under.
Agathe Laisne, a former Texas player, won her LPGA card for the 2022 season and will go to Spain on Monday to compete in the final stage of the Ladies European Tour Q-School.
“I believe it will be physically demanding. “It’s also a mental thing,” Laisne added. “Just reset, relax, and enjoy yourself, and, yeah.” That’s all there is to it.”
Bianca Pagdanganan, another Arizona Wildcat who earned her card at the 2019 Q-Series, finished in a tie for 10th place. Pagdanganan, one of the most experienced players in the women’s game, had a strong 2020 campaign only to have it wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic. While she wasn’t able to carry the momentum into 2021, she’ll have another chance next year.
Bianca Pagdanganan is the LPGA’s newest power player.
Kim of Duke won the first stage of the Q-Series in August before competing in the Curtis Cup with Matthews the following week in Wales. College players can choose to delay their membership and join the LPGA at any time until July 1, 2022. Their ranking on the priority list would be maintained until then.
Kim, who tied for 35th, said, “I have a feeling I’ll probably make my decision in the very near future just because, you know, I do need to tell my coaches.” “I’ll have to inform my colleagues.”
“I think the most respect I can show them is to keep them up to speed on what I’m preparing.”
Matthews, a fifth-year senior who finished in a tie for 30th place, said she’ll return home to Arkansas to speak with her family and coaches before deciding what to do next.
“I’m in an excellent position in any case,” she remarked.
