Stage II Déjà Vu
In just a few days, I was all set to fly to Venice, FL for Stage II of LPGA Qualifying.
But first, Stage I
In August, I played in the first stage of LPGA’s Qualifying (what they now call “pre-qualifying”) at Mission Hills Country Club.
As expected, it was hot with difficult conditions, but I was fortunate to have early tee times three out of four rounds and my dad on the bag. I finished -5 (70,72,72,69) tied for 35th, comfortably in the top 95 and ties that advance to Stage II, which was scheduled for October 13 -18 at Plantation Golf and Country Club.
And then, hurricanes
I spent the time between Stage I and II preparing for Florida. Unfortunately, Hurricane Helene hit the gulf coast of Florida at the end of September, about two weeks before I was scheduled to leave. I thought the tournament might be postponed because of Helene’s impact, but didn’t hear anything from the LPGA, so I was still planning to fly into Tampa this Friday, October 11. There were a couple tropical storms buzzing around (Kirk and Leslie) but it looked like they wouldn’t hit land.
Then came Hurricane Milton
LPGA updates
I received an email from the LPGA yesterday morning, saying Plantation Golf and Country Club would be closed Monday through Wednesday this week and we would get an update Thursday morning about the condition of the course. But over the course of the next 24 hours, Milton was upgraded to a Category 5, thanks to the very warm waters of the gulf. Even it it slows a bit, as they are predicting, Milton is expected to hit the Tampa/Sarasota/Venice area squarely by Wednesday night with winds of up to 145 mph, torrential rains and storm surges that could reach 10 or more feet. The LPGA made an announcement this morning that Stage II would be postponed. A follow up email said they still hope to have the tournament at Plantation, but are exploring other options. I think it will all depend on the condition of the course.
You might remember that this same thing happened two years ago when Hurricane Ian hit the gulf coast. Stage II was moved to November and the staff and crew at Plantation worked hard for a month to get the course in shape.
I am hoping for the very best as this latest storm hits the state. My thoughts are with everyone in Florida who is impacted by Hurricane Milton and Helene. I have spoken with a few people in the area who have evacuated and I hope that those who did not stay safe throughout the storm as well.
I will keep you all posted as I learn more and the LPGA plans for the rescheduling of Stage II. Thanks for all your support!
