When it comes to former University of Colorado golfer Esther Lee and LPGA Q-school, apparently it’s more important how you finish than how you start.
In August in the first stage of LPGA qualifying, Lee rebounded from a first-round 75 to advance to stage II. Then at the second stage this week in Venice, Fla., the former Buff once again started slowly — this time with a 76 — but came back strong the final three days to punch her ticket to the final stage of Q-school.
Lee (pictured) joined former University of Northern Colorado golfer Carleigh Silvers in advancing Sunday to Stage III, set for Nov. 29-Dec. 3 in Daytona Beach, Fla., where LPGA Tour cards will be awarded (20 fully exempt and 25 more conditional).
All told, the top 80 finishes and ties on Sunday — out of an original field of 190 — earned spots into the final stage. Falling just shy of the mark was former CU golfer Kristin Coleman, who placed 83rd at 296 after a final-round 76.
Silvers, a regular on the Symetra Tour in recent years, finished 33rd on Sunday in Venice, Her 3-over-par 75 on Sunday left her at 289, 13 strokes behind medalist Georgia Hall.
Lee made four birdies in an 1-over-par round of 73 on Sunday. After he opening-round 76 on Thursday, she went even-par the rest of the way (72-71-73) to post a 292 total, good for 55th place.
Here are the scores for all the players with major Colorado ties who competed this week in Venice:
Advance to Final Stage
33. Former UNC golfer Carleigh Silvers 71-71-72-75–289
55. Former CU golfer Esther Lee 76-72-71-73–292
Failed to Advance
83. Former CU golfer Kristin Coleman 72-75-73-76–296
166. Former CU golfer Natalie Vivaldi 77-80-76-76–309
For complete results, CLICK HERE.
