NCAA champion Adela Cernousek co-medaled at the second stage of the 2024 LPGA Qualifying but, similar to Ingrid Lindblad, has decided not to turn professional. The Texas A&M senior will return to school and compete for the Aggies in their tournament next week.
“I think I’m going back to school and staying amateur,” said Cernousek, the French standout. “I think that’s the plan.”
With Dale Lewis, father of LPGA star Stacy Lewis, on her bag, Cernousek tied with England’s Mimi Rhodes at 14 under at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Florida. Notably, Stacy’s husband, Gerrod Chadwell, is the head coach at Texas A&M.
Forty-three players advanced to the Final Stage of LPGA Qualifying, including four amateurs, three of whom rank within the top 10 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. However, players must turn professional to participate in Final Qualifying, scheduled for Dec. 5-9 at Magnolia Grove Golf Club in Mobile, Alabama. The amateur deadline to declare professional status is Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. ET.
Among the advancing amateurs, UCLA seniors Zoe Campos and Caroline Canales placed in the top 12. Mississippi State senior Julia Lopez Ramirez earned her spot after tying for 23rd, while Western Kentucky senior Catie Craig birdied her final hole to finish T-31, just making the cut.
Rhodes, a recent Wake Forest graduate, has been on a strong run. She recently helped Great Britain and Ireland secure the Curtis Cup, followed by her first professional title on the LET Access Series.
Reflecting on her journey, Rhodes shared, “Looking back after I graduated, I would never have imagined myself in this position, shooting so many low scores. I’m over the moon, and I’m glad that all my hard work is finally paying off.”
Campos’ journey has been unique as well. When she initially informed UCLA head coach Alicia Um of her desire to attend Q-School, Um had reservations, preferring she turn professional at the end of last season. However, she ultimately supported Campos’ decision to return for the fall semester, recognizing her leadership’s impact.
“I’m happy for her, truly happy,” said Um.
Campos will play one last tournament for the Bruins next week at the East Lake Cup before turning pro, becoming the fifth UCLA Bruin to turn professional mid-season.
“It’s a big step, and it’s been a dream of mine,” Campos said. “Knowing I’ll be on tour is a major accomplishment, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.”
Canales, however, is still weighing her options. “I’d love to graduate and have loved my time at UCLA. I’ll talk with my coaches and family before deciding. We’re taking our time.”
All players completing four rounds in Venice secured Epson Tour status. Those who finished in the top 80 but didn’t advance to Final Qualifying will join Category I on the Epson Tour Priority List for 2025, while others will enter Category K.
Notable players missing the cut include Rachel Kuehn, who missed by a stroke, LPGA winner Christina Kim, Amari Avery, and 18-year-old Yana Wilson.
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