The young Bengalurean golfer, Aditi Ashok put in a round of one-under par 71 in the fourth round of the LPGA Qualifying School Final stage in order to keep her hopes alive to become a full card member for the 2017 season.
Aditi needed a top-20 finish in order to become a full member, but the Indian fell agonisingly short and came in tied 23. However, she can take heart from the fact that the next 25 rankers do manage to get a limited status.
"It was a long week with a lot of ups and downs throughout the week," said Aditi, who is coming off wins in the Indian Open and Qatar. "I think I could have done better, I finished just 2-under, but it is not bad. "The last couple weeks have been amazing starting with my win back home in India. I won last week in Qatar and moved up the Order of Merit and hopefully I can do well in Dubai next week and then it will be a good year."
Having shot 73-70-71-71, she finished three-under after four rounds in the five-round event. The fourth round witnessed three birdies against four bogeys from the 18-year old. With two birdies being traded for two bogeys, between the 14th and 17th round, Aditi ended the day at 71.
America’s Jaye Marie Green in the lead
America’s Jaye Marie Green she made the Hills course her very own, putting in a spirited performance with a 2-under-70 to grab the 72-hole lead at 15-under, 273.
With just the concluding round left to be played, she is two shots clear of Iceland’s Olafia Kristinsdottir who got to 13-under on the Jones course after carding a 68. With her efforts, Kristinsdottir is slowly and steadily ensuring that she earns herself the honour of being the first golfer from her country to play the LPGA.
The third place was claimed by Sadena Parks of USA at 12-under with 276. Four players are tied with at 19th with scores of four-under 284.
Golfers who manage to secure a Top-20 finish devoid of ties will earn themselves a LPGA Tour membership in category 12, for which playoffs will be held if required. While those that finish between 21-45 including ties will earn the membership in category 17.
Aditi will participate in the majors next year which will help her rub shoulders with the elite of women’s golf, "Obviously, I want to play in as many majors as I can hopefully play all of them," Aditi said on a concluding note. "I want to play in as many LPGA events as possible because I've done well on the LET and I think I have the potential to do well on the LPGA as well."
