RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. -- High school senior Morgan Pressel, in danger of failing the first stage of LPGA Tour qualifying, answered with a 9-under 63 on Friday to finish among the top 30 and advance to the finals in December.
The 17-year-old Pressel, who tied for second in the U.S. Women’s Open and won the U.S. Women’s Amateur, was on the bubble starting the final round at Mission Hills Country Club until she ran off a string of birdies and thought briefly about a 59. She missed four putts inside 6 feet.
Brittany Lang, the former Duke star who tied for second with Pressel at the Women’s Open, shot a 67 to top qualifying, finishing one shot ahead of Japanese star Ai Miyazato.
``I knew today I’d have to come out and probably go under par to definitely get in,’' Pressel said.
The LPGA Tour denied Pressel’s petition to join the tour before she turns 18 in May. It has ruled that she can accept sponsor’s exemptions in the spring, but her earnings won’t count on the money list until she becomes a member.
She took a step Friday toward getting her card.
The final stage will be played the first week of December at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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