Two former University of Colorado golfers are in the top 75 out of a field of 361 at the halfway point of stage I of LPGA Tour qualifying in Rancho Mirage, Calif.
Natalie Vivaldi (pictured), who played three years at CU before transferring to San Diego State for her senior season, has shot two consecutive rounds of 1-under-par 71. That leaves her in a tie for 38th place at 2-under 142.
And Esther Lee, who just completed her CU career, shares 73rd place at 144 after she fired a 69 on Friday that included four birdies.
The top 90 finishers and ties after four rounds will advance to stage II of the three-stage qualifying process. At stage III, the top 20 performers will earn full status on the 2018 LPGA Tour.
Two other players with strong Colorado ties share 108th place at 146 in Rancho Mirage: Emily Gilbreth of Denver and former University of Denver golfer Mariell Bruun.
The field will be cut to the top 125 players and ties after Saturday’s third round.
Here are the scores of the players with strong Colorado connections:
38. Former CU golfer Natalie Vivaldi 71-71–142
73. Former CU golfer Esther Lee 75-69–144
108. Emily Gilbreth of Denver 72-74–146
108. Former DU golfer Mariell Bruun 73-73–146
175. Former CU golfer Jamie Oleksiew 74-75–149
232. CU golfer Brittany Fan 80-72–152
247. Samantha Stancato of Colorado Springs 76-77–153
322. Paige Crawford of Colorado Springs 83-76–159
For all the scores, CLICK HERE.
