Big Break Florida winner gets exemption into Manulife Financial LPGA Classic
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA, June 3, 2014 – Epson Tour member Jackie Stoeling, who currently ranks seventh on the Volvik Race for the Card money list, is playing on the LPGA Tour this week by virtue of her win on the Golf Channel reality series Big Break Florida.
Stoelting received a sponsor exemption into the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, which begins on Thursday, June 5.
This will be her first career LPGA Tour event. She qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open last year and made the cut.
“I am excited about playing in my first event as a rookie on the LPGA,” said Stoelting. “I have focused on playing Epson events this year since my LPGA status isn't very good. It was nice to know I would for sure be in this event and I'm excited to play against the best players in the world.”
The Vero Beach, Florida native has been a force on the Epson Tour this season. She has three top-10 finishes and has finished inside the top-20 five times.
Stoelting has been in contention on the final day several times including a solo second place finish at the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic.
“Having the success this year on Epson (Tour) is huge for my confidence going into this week. My goal is to be in the top-10 (on the Volvik Race for the Card money list) at the end of the year and I have been playing well enough to put myself in a good position halfway through the season. It will be great to see how my game compares to the talent out here on the LPGA. I am treating it as just another event, one shot at a time.”
She has 14 career top-10 finishes on the Epson Tour.
Stoelting, who has conditional LPGA Tour status, is in position to gain full-time status on the LPGA Tour for the 2015 season if she stays inside the top-10 on the Volvik Race for the Card money list.
“This is a huge opportunity for me. If I have a great finish, it could change the rest of the year for me since I do have status out here, the money is official. Obviously I'm not going to concentrate on that, and just play golf. I'm trying to take it all in and enjoy the week.”
Stoelting will tee off in the 7:33 a.m. group with fellow Epson Tour member Anya Alvarez and Brooke Henderson.)
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