LPGA announces changes to its qualifying sites for 2025, making it easier on players
LPGA announces changes to its qualifying sites for 2025, making it easier on players
The LPGA has announced the dates for its 2025 Qualifying Series along with a new twist. The first stage, now known as Pre-Qualifying, will be held Sept. 24-26 but will have three different locations players can choose from: Indian Wells Golf and Country Club in Indian Wells, California; LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Florida; and Denton Country Club in Argyle, Texas.
The first stage of LPGA qualifying has long been held at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, over several different courses. Last year's event was held at both the Dinah Shore and Arnold Palmer courses as well as the Classic course at Indian Wells Country Club. More than 300 players signed up for pre-qualifying in 2024.
The first stage also moved from its traditional August timeframe to late September, moving it closer to Qualifying (formerly Stage 2), which will be held Oct. 15-18 once again at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Florida.
Final Qualifying will be held Dec. 4-8 at Magnolia Grove Golf Course in Mobile, Alabama.
The changes should prove cost-saving for players and give them more flexibility. It's also easier to learn one course rather than three.
'The changes to the LPGA Q-Series structure, specifically the Pre-Qualifying stage, were made based on feedback on timing and location," said Tommy Tangtiphaiboontana, the LPGA's Senior Vice President of Tournament Operations, in a release. "The three-site model for Pre-Qualifying accommodates players in different regions, minimizes wait time for athletes advancing from Pre-Qualifying to Qualifying and allows the LPGA to utilize one course for each competition to improve player preparation for the event."
The number of players that advance out of each Pre-Qualifying site will be determined based on the number of entries for each location.
The top 25 players and ties at Final Qualifying will earn LPGA Tour cards for the 2026 season. All players who complete at least the second stage will earn Epson Tour eligibility for 2026.
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