Pro Secures LPGA Tour Card Following Penalty Mishap 12 Months Ago
In an emotional final day at the LPGA Q-Series, Samantha Wagner secured a card, after a penalty last year cost her by a shot
Q-School is often the most stressful time for any professional, with a number of rounds making the difference to what they are able to access for next season. Often, we see heartbreak, but we also see some feel good stories and, at the LPGA Q-Series, there were none more so than Samantha Wagner's.
Why you may ask? Well, just 12 months ago, Wagner called a penalty on herself thus adding an extra stroke to her total. That proved crucial, especially as she missed the first cut by one shot and was forced back to the Epson Tour.
Speaking at the time, the former University of Florida player stated: “I hit a good shot into the par-5 and I walked up, and I had my hands full. I had my yardage book and a tee to fix my ball mark and my caddie was waiting for me to throw him the ball. And I just picked it up. I literally had gotten six inches off the ground with it, and I was like, ‘Ah, shoot.’ I put it back down, marked it, no one had seen it. I knew right away it was wrong.”
Because of her honesty, she had to head back to the Epson Tour where she made a superb 16 of 20 cuts and finished in the top-10 five times. However, the most impressive aspect came this year when, attending Q-Series, she qualified for a full-time LPGA Tour card.
Not only did she fire a 23-under-par total, but also secured Category 14 status as a result of her finishing inside the top-20. By claiming Cat.14 status, Wagner has more playing privileges than those in Category 15 status that was handed out to those who placed 21st to 46th.
Speaking after her final round 66, an understandably emotional Wagner stated that it's been “quite a journey, and a hard one, too,” adding: “I'm just so thankful this week went really well.
“I’m so excited. It’s just been a long journey. That’s what everyone here is working for. For me, I know I can compete there and I’m really excited to have the chance now.”
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
-
Rory McIlroy Posts Heartfelt Message To 'Hero' And 'Inspiration' Rafa Nadal Following Tennis Icon's Retirement
The Spanish tennis player has left the game after 22 Grand Slam victories - and four-time Major winner McIlroy joined in with the messages of congratulations
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Teams Announced Ahead Of GB&I vs Europe Team Cup Match
Nine of the ten players for each side have been confirmed by the DP World Tour
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Lexi Thompson Says She ‘May Tee It Up A Few Times Next Year’ As She Prepares To Retire From Full-Time Professional Golf
The American has revealed she might play a limited schedule next year as she prepares for life beyond a full-time professional schedule
By Mike Hall Published
-
'I Just Think It Really Drags The Game Down' - LPGA Tour Stars Weigh In On Slow Play Debate
Nelly Korda is one of the players who has given her thoughts on the issue of slow play on the LPGA Tour after Charley Hull suggested a brutal idea to kill the issue
By Mike Hall Published
-
CME Group Tour Championship Prize Money Payout 2024
Nelly Korda heads the field as players compete for one of the largest purses in the history of the women’s game
By Mike Hall Published
-
Women’s NCAA Division I Champion Adela Cernousek Turns Pro
Texas A&M's Adela Cernousek has announced she is turning professional, with a place in the final stage of LPGA Tour Q-Series on the horizon
By Mike Hall Published
-
‘I Feel Sorry For The Fans' - Charley Hull Proposes Brutal Idea To 'Kill' Slow Play
After pointing out that her third round at The Annika took close to six hours, the World No.11 suggested an idea which could greatly reduce slow play on tour
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Nelly Korda Joined By Tennis Star Brother Sebastian As He Watches Her Win For First Time
Sebastian Korda was present to watch Nelly Korda claim her seventh victory of the season in the Annika Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican
By Mike Hall Published
-
How Did One Pro Secure A $1 Million Payday Without Playing The Penultimate LPGA Tour Event?
Jeeno Thitikul may not have featured at The Annika Driven by Gainbridge, but the former World No.1 secured a $1 million payday via the Aon Risk Reward Challenge
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Nelly Korda Holds Off Charley Hull For Seventh LPGA Tour Title Of Year
The World No.1 produced a brilliant back nine in the final round to ease to victory at Pelican Golf Club
By Mike Hall Published