The LPGA is rolling out an exciting new fast track to get the world’s best amateur golfers onto the pro tour. It’s called LEAP – the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway.
Starting next year, top amateurs can earn their LPGA Tour card by racking up points from tournament wins and other achievements. Once they hit 20 points, they’re in.
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It’s pretty similar to what the men’s PGA Tour does, but with a key difference – players don’t need to be in college to qualify. They just need to be amateurs.
“LEAP is all about finding and rewarding the most talented amateur players from around the world,” says LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. She explains that they’ve carefully studied what achievements tend to predict success on the pro tour.
Here’s what gets you points:
• Winning the McCormack Medal (4 points)
• Being ranked World #1 amateur (3 points)
• Winning major amateur events like the U.S. Women’s Amateur (2 points)
Just how tough is it to qualify? Only three players would’ve made the cut in the past 12 years – Lydia Ko, Leona Maguire, and Rose Zhang. That’s some elite company.
Right now, Florida State junior Lottie Woad is leading the pack with 16 points. She’s racked them up through some impressive achievements, including the 2024 McCormack Medal and reaching World #1.
Players can count points earned since January 2022, giving current amateurs a chance to add up achievements from the past few years.
Once someone hits the magic number of 20 points, they’ve got options. They can join the LPGA Tour right away or defer their membership for a bit – helpful for those who might want to finish school first.
The new system has college coaches a bit worried. They’re concerned it might encourage their top players to leave school early for the pro ranks.
“It’s a start,” one coach says. “At least it gives players a clear path without dealing with Q-School.”
The LPGA says they’re still working on other pathways to the tour, with more announcements coming soon.
For now, several amateurs are already well on their way to earning their spots. Behind Woad’s 16 points, Anna Davis has 7 points, while several others including Jasmine Koo and Megan Schofill are sitting at 6 points each.
It’s a game-changing move that could reshape how the best young golfers make their way to the pro ranks. The real question is: who’ll be the first to hit that 20-point mark?