The first half of LPGA Q-Series is complete with four rounds at Magnolia Grove Golf Course down and four at Highland Oaks Golf Course in Dothan, Alabama to go. Lauren Hartlage is the sole woman atop the leaderboard at 14-under.
“I'm feeling good,” said Hartlage. “I've been ball-striking it really well this week, which I think is really important, giving yourself some birdie looks. I played these courses last year, so I'm really familiar with them, and I really like the layout. I’m pretty proud of how I've kept up the last four rounds and looking forward to next week.”
The Kentucky native played consistently throughout the first week with rounds of 66-69-69-68. The 24-year-old prioritized accepting whatever happened and keeping a positive mindset. With an LPGA Tour card on the line and eight rounds of golf to accomplish her goals, Hartlage keeps her focus on the present.
“I think, obviously, like making the cut and getting your card are the long-term goals,” said Hartlage. “But those kind of aren't in my control. I can control my attitude and how I approach each shot.”
Although she’s focusing on the shot in front of her, Hartlage can’t help but keep the taste of the LPGA Tour that she got last season in the back of her mind.
“I got to play some last year, and obviously I didn't play well enough to keep my card,” said Hartlage. “Being able to go out there and see what it was like, it's been something I've been dreaming of my whole life. It's been a great journey, and I'm excited to be this position.”
Tied for second, one shot behind Hartlage at 13-under, was Luna Sobron Galmes, Polly Mack, Manon De Roey and Riley Rennell. De Roey, Rennell and Mack remained near the top of the leaderboard after signing for rounds of 2-under, 1-under and 3-under, respectively. Sobron Galmes climbed from T25 to sharing second after an 8-under performance that included nine birdies.
“I feel very good with my putter today,” said Sobron Galmes. “I made all the putts that I had the opportunity to [make], so I'm very happy.”
Sitting in a comfortable spot heading into the second week, Sobron Galmes is happy to have some time to rest and reset. Even after a lights out round, the 28-year-old plans to keep her mindset the same as it was when she began week one.
“I came from Spain playing three weeks in a row, so I think I need to relax,” said Sobron Galmes. “But my game is in good shape, in the moment, so I'm going to do the same thing [next week].”
A total of 75 players made the cut at 2-under par, including recently turned professionals Ashley Lau (-2), Heather Lin (-8), Nataliya Guseva (-8), Natthakritta Vongtaveelap (-11) and Valery Plata (-11).
QUICK QUOTES
Janie Jackson (-5, T47) on seven consecutive birdies:
“I think seven birdies in a row might be my new record. It was just one of those days where at least on the front I hit it really well. I didn't make really any long putts. I was just hitting it pretty close. I just had good ball striking on the front nine for sure. And then back nine just sort of fizzled out a little bit. I came out and did what I needed to do, so I am happy with it.”
Auston Kim (-10, T17) on a 7-under round:
“It was good. I kind of went into the bunker long left [on the last hole], and it was good to make up and down to solidify a good round.”
Valery Plata (-11, T11) on 3 consecutive bogey-free rounds:
“You know, I'm just trying to hit the shot that's right in front of me. I’m not really thinking about the bogey-free or next week or anything. I'm just hitting the shot in front of me, making good swings, and good decisions.”
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