British duo Georgia Hall and Gemma Dryburgh are celebrating after earning their LPGA Tour cards for the 2018 season.
Both passed the tough five-day test at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Florida, with flying colours and, along with 18 other players, secured playing rights from the 165-strong field.
For Hall, who was T133 after round one following a five-over-par 77, earning her LPGA Tour card marks the perfect end to a fantastic season.
Hall has already secured the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit ahead of this week’s season-ending Omega Dubai Ladies Classic with seven top 10s in nine starts. She also finished in a tie for third at the Ricoh Women’s British Open and was a standout performer for Europe at the 2017 Solheim Cup.
“To kind of finish the season off and get my LPGA Tour card, and I can plan for next year now,” she said. “I’m very happy actually – I can relax.”
I did it! Secured my full LPGA card for the 2018 season! Thanks to everyone that has helped me over the years to get to this point, especially my parents! I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. Thanks to my coaches, my sponsors, and my friends. Next stop Dubai! #LPGArookie#Qschoolpic.twitter.com/nD7n0BlXLw
— Gemma Dryburgh (@gemmadryburgh) December 3, 2017
Scot Dryburgh, meanwhile, joined Catriona Matthew as the only players from the Home of Golf on the LPGA Tour in 2018.
The Aberdonian, a member of Team Scottish Hydro in 2017, showed plenty grit and determination to close with a four-under-par 68 to move from outside the top 20 qualifying places ahead of the final round to finish T13.
“It means a lot,” said Dryburgh, who was a member of the 2014 Great Britain & Ireland Curtis Cup team. “I’ve been working really hard for this for a few years with my coach and my parents and everyone around me.
“I’m just really ecstatic to finally finish the five rounds this week and finish with a good round of 68.”