Top 25 Finish at Q-Series Final Stage
Subin Joo Takes Second, Lee Dong-eun and Jang Hyo-jun Tie for Seventh
Briem Claims Medalist Honors, Disappointment for Bang Shin-sil and Lee Jeong-eun6
Subin Joo has earned her card for next year's LPGA Tour.
On December 9 (local time), at the Magnolia Grove Crossings Course (par 72) in Mobile, Alabama, United States, she carded five birdies over the remaining 11 holes of the final fourth round at the LPGA Qualifying (Q) Series Final Stage, finishing in second place with a total score of 12-under-par 274.
Subin Joo secured second place in the LPGA Q-Series Final Stage, earning a full tour card for next year. Photo by LPGA
Subin Joo, who debuted on the LPGA Tour in 2023, lost her card after finishing 107th on this year’s money list with $196,711 and has now regained her full tour status through the Q-Series. Her only top-10 finish in 2023 was a tie for sixth at the ShopRite Classic in June.
Starting on the 8th hole (par 3), Joo began her chase for the lead with a birdie at the 10th hole (par 4). She then made four consecutive birdies from holes 13 through 16, entering the battle for the championship. Although she put pressure on Helen Briem of Germany, who finished atop the leaderboard at 13-under-par 273, Joo could not add another birdie over the final two holes and had to settle for a runner-up finish by one stroke.
For Korea, Lee Dong-eun, a long hitter from the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, shot even par over the remaining 11 holes to finish tied for seventh at 10-under-par 276. Hyo Joon Jang also joined this group, earning her LPGA Tour card.
Lee Dong-eun tied for 7th place in the LPGA Q-Series Final Stage, securing her card for next year. Provided by KLPGA
On the other hand, Bang Shinsil, who has five career wins on the KLPGA Tour, narrowly missed out on joining the LPGA, finishing in a tie for 35th at 2-under-par 284. Yoon Mina finished tied for 39th at 1-under-par 285, Lee Jeongeun6 tied for 45th at even-par 286, Annie Kim tied for 77th at 5-over-par 291, and Shin Bi ended the tournament tied for 102nd at 11-over-par 297.
The LPGA Q-Series Final Stage was originally scheduled as a five-round, 90-hole event, but due to inclement weather and course conditions, it was shortened to four rounds and 72 holes. Players who finished in the top 25 earned their cards for next year's LPGA Tour.
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