When Emma McMyler stepped up to the first hole of the Crossings Course at Magnolia Grove – RTJ Golf Trail on Dec. 9, she had nine holes between her and the end of the Final Qualifying Stage of LPGA Q-Series.

Due to less-than-ideal weather conditions, it took her and the rest of the field six days to complete four rounds. And while she was closing out her final day in Mobile, Ala., the 23-year-old opened the door to her rookie season on the LPGA Tour.

How’d she get there? Just an impressive five birdies in her last six holes. Easy! Even better? McMyler doesn’t fully pay attention to where she is in relation to par while she’s competing. She also doesn’t look at leaderboards.

“I knew I needed to make some birdies coming in, and just stayed in the present, played one shot at a time,” said McMyler of her last round at Final Qualifying. “Once I made that first putt, my first birdie, I was like, ‘Okay, let’s go get another one.’ I just kept doing that until I finished the round. I was pumped that I was able to get it done.”

It’s safe to say that McMyler had to work hard for her LPGA Tour card. When the final round began, the 23-year-old was three shots outside of the top-25 and ties cutline. The Texas native hopped on the birdie train on the par-5 4th hole, and then proceeded to go 4-under in five holes to find herself inside the top 25 walking to the ninth tee.

And just for good measure, McMyler sank a 21-foot putt on the last hole, a left-to-right slider that broke about three feet.

“When that putt went in, it was the best feeling ever,” said McMyler. “To look over at my dad on my bag and have him there, it was thrilling. It was awesome.”

Achieving a lifelong dream was made even sweeter by being able to celebrate with her dad, Brian, who wears many hats for McMyler, which sometimes includes caddying. Suddenly, their 10-hour drive home to San Antonio wasn’t feeling as unpleasant, as the father-daughter duo was riding on cloud nine the whole way home.

“It was really special. He has helped me get here and has been a big reason why I am here,” said McMyler. “He’s my dad, but he’s also my coach and caddie, so he plays a lot of different roles. I wouldn’t be here without his help and support, along with my mom as well.”

With a proven success rate, the soon-to-be LPGA Tour rookie now has at least one suitable contender to loop for her as she makes her debut on the biggest stage in women’s golf. But no matter what hat he’s donning – dad, caddie or coach – McMyler will continue to have the solid support system she’s had throughout her journey in golf.

“There are a lot of decisions to be made,” said McMyler. “We’re just taking it day by day. But I know he would love to be out there, and we’ll cross that bridge as it comes. I have a feeling he’ll be on the bag for at least a few tournaments.”

After her final-round performance in Mobile, Ala., McMyler now adds her name to the Epson Tour alumni list, a group of athletes that have combined for over 400 LPGA Tour titles. In just one year on the Official Qualifying Tour, McMyler, who was a 2025 rookie, gained valuable experience, both on and off the course, knowledge she will take with her as she moves up in the ranks.

“It’s a great Tour,” said McMyler. “There are a lot of really good golfers out there, and great players. Really, any one of them can be out on the LPGA Tour. That’s just the level that they’re playing at out there. It helped me prepare a lot.”

Emma McMyler Puts Together Back Nine of Her Career to Earn LPGA Tour Card

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