Monday, September 1, 2008

Criteria for Success on the LPGA

Let's say you're a top international player considering sending in an LPGA Q-School application this week. What--besides communication skills--should you be looking at to determine whether going for the LPGA represents a viable investment of your time and effort? Just ask yourself the following questions:

Is your scoring average around 72 or better? Right now Ai Miyazato and Leta Lindley are T43 in scoring average at 72 on the dot. That would have been good enough for 22nd in 2007, 38th in 2006, 27th in 2005, and 53rd in 2004.

Are you going under par at least a third of your rounds? Doing so would put you in the top 80 this season, the top 50 in 2007, the top 90 in 2006, the top 50 in 2005, and the top 70 in 2004.

Are you averaging 3 or more birdies per round? It's too bad the LPGA doesn't have a birdie rate ranking, but by my count doing this would put you within or at least around the top 80 this season, the top 40 in 2007, the top 60 in 2006, the top 50 in 2005, and the top 50 in 2004.

Are you hitting at least 2/3 of your greens in regulation? Doing so would put you within the top 25 this season, the top 15 in 2007, the top 60 in 2006, the top 60 in 2005, and the top 70 in 2004.

Are you averaging 1.80 putts per green in regulation or less? Doing so would put you in the top 50 this season, the top 25 in 2007, the top 45 in 2006, the top 30 in 2005, and the top 45 in 2004.

If you can answer yes to 3 of the 5 questions, then Q-School is for you. You have what it takes to be among the top 40 on the LPGA.

2 comments:

Brian Barker said...

I think that the LPGA's decision smacks of xenophobia.

At least the Beijing Olympics appointed an Esperanto translator, and CRI broadcast daily, about the Games, in this language.

You can see confirmation at http://esperanto.cri.cn

The Constructivist said...

Ah, you remind me I forgot to add, "Are you good at learning languages? How about some English with that golf?"

Seriously, scroll down a bit for my comments on the LPGA's new rule.