Australia’s Gabriela Ruffels has won twice on the Epson Tour this season, leading the circuit’s money list as she works toward her LPGA card for 2024. But a funny thing happened on her way to Michigan to play an Epson event this week (Island Resort Championship).
A surprise call arrived, causing a change in travel plans. Ruffels, 23, was given a surprise invite to the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Through three rounds, she has played nicely, too. A round of 3-under 68 on Saturday on Baltusrol’s Lower Course helped propel Ruffels into a tie for 12th, at 1-under 212.
“My manager called me about a week and a half before the tournament started, and he said, change your flights from Harris, Michigan, which was the Epson event on this week, and go to Newark. I mean, it's a great opportunity. I'm so thankful to be here.”
Ruffels has been put to the test on a couple of occasions this week. She started the tournament 4 over through six holes, and Saturday, she had to bounce back after making a double at the par-4 13th hole.
Her play proves this: Good golf travels anywhere.
“I say this a lot; the Epson Tour is great,” Ruffels said. “The players out there are really, really good, and a lot of them, I'd say like top half, could play out here, as well.
“Playing out there, you have to play really well to win and be in contention, so I think it's just a great tour. Definitely feel like I've gained momentum from that tour, for sure.”
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