LONGWOOD, Fla. – The 144-player field for the ninth annual IOA Classic presented by LPT Realty has been finalized by the Epson Tour, as the “Road to the LPGA” returns to Alaqua Country Club from May 20-22.
Individuals will compete in a 54-hole, stroke-play format for $200,000 and a winner’s share of $30,000. A cut will be made to the top-60 competitors plus ties after 36 holes. Tournament admission is free.
Nine of the current top-10 players in the Race For the Card are in Seminole County. Among the group is 2022 tournament champions Kum-Kang Park, Linnea Strom, Dottie Ardina and Gabby Then, the newest winner on Tour after securing the Garden City Charity Classic title on May 1.
“It has been a whirlwind since that week in Kansas, as I went straight to Spain to play in the LET event [the Comunidad De Madrid Ladies Open],” said Then, who made her initial appearance in the rankings at No. 7 after the win. “I’m so grateful for all the support and encouragement. Now I can really chase my ultimate dream of reaching the LPGA Tour, and the journey on the Epson Tour continues at IOA Classic.”
Windermere native and University of Florida alumna Samantha Wagner has made the trip to central Florida for her fifth start in the IOA Classic. The five-year Epson Tour member shared third place in 2020 and finished in a tie for 8th last year. She is one of five former Gators in the field.
“My knowledge of Alaqua Country Club has really grown over the years and it’s always great to tee it up on a pure Florida course,” said Wagner, a 2016 All-SEC Freshman Team selection. “I know how to handle the grass and roll the greens, so I very much look forward to these tournament weeks in my home state. It will be great to also have some family out watching and supporting. Can’t be a Florida swing.”
Two tournament sponsor exemptions round out the field including 13-year Epson Tour veteran Steph Na and amateur Mara King. The 15-year-old is a native of Lake Mary, Fla., located just five miles up the road from Alaqua Country Club.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity provided by Insurance Office of America and the Epson Tour to test my game against the Epson Tour pros,” said King. “Alaqua Country Club is my home course. I play out here every week, so I know my way around. It will be the opportunity of a lifetime and a great challenge. I am so excited to play this weekend in the IOA Classic.”
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