The LPGA, known for keeping the world of women’s golf on its toes, has recently announced some game-changing alterations to its 2023 Q-Series. On March 21, 2023, the association decided to shake things up like a golfer trying to remove a pesky sand trap from their shoes.
First and foremost, the LPGA confirmed that the 2023 Q-Series would return to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Magnolia Grove Golf Course in Mobile, Alabama, from November 30 to December 5, 2023. This is where things get interesting, as they’ve decided to switch up the traditional format, a move as bold as wearing plaid pants to the golf course.
Instead of the Q-Series’ conventional two 72-hole stroke-play events over consecutive weeks, with a final stage featuring five rounds of play, the new format will feature six rounds, with a cut determined after the fourth. This is the first change to the Q-Series format since its inaugural year in 2018, making it fresher than a newly mowed fairway.
This innovative change came after feedback from players and research conducted over past LPGA Q-Series results, proving that even in golf, listening to others can sometimes lead to a hole-in-one. Tommy Tangtiphaiboontana, the Senior Vice President of Tour Operations, weighed in on the decision, stating that the new format would provide an adequate challenge for those competing for LPGA Tour status, much like trying to pronounce his last name.
The modified format allows the entire competition to be played at one facility in consecutive rounds, with no change in venue between weeks. This brings a sense of consistency to the event, like the perfectly calculated swing of a pro golfer.
Q-Series is now the third and final stage of the LPGA and Epson Tour Qualifying Tournament, where players vie for a $150,000 purse paid out to the top 45 players and ties. But the stakes are higher than the loft on a sand wedge; players are competing for that elusive tour card, their ticket to the big leagues.
The field will include players finishing between 101-150 (and ties) on the current year’s Race to CME Global Points List and those ranked from 11-35 (plus ties) on the Epson Tour’s Race for the Card. In addition, spots will be allocated for players in the top 75 of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and the top 10 and ties on the Ladies European Tour’s Race to Costa del Sol. Players advancing from Stage II of Qualifying School will complete the final field.
Upon the conclusion of the Q-Series, the top 20 and ties will earn 2024 LPGA Tour status in Category 14, while players finishing in positions 21-45 and ties will earn 2024 LPGA Tour status in Category 15 and 2024 Epson Tour status in Category C. Players finishing outside the top 45 and ties will earn Epson Tour status for 2024, giving them another shot at glory.
Stage I of the LPGA and Epson Tour Qualifying Tournament will take place at Mission Hills Country Club (Rancho Mirage, Calif.) and Indian Wells Country Club (Indian Wells, Calif.) from Aug. 28-31, with Stage II at Plantation Golf and Country Club (Venice, Fla.) from Oct. 17-20, 2023.
In conclusion, the LPGA’s exciting changes to the 2023 Q-Series are sure to keep golf enthusiasts on the edge of their golf carts, eagerly awaiting the next swing in women’s golf.
