Becky plots path to go pro
TOP Gold Coast amateur Becky Kay has mapped out elite events in Northern Ireland and the US to prepare for her August quest to qualify for the rich LPGA Tour.
Kay, 20, has always been cagey about when the right time to turn pro might be but it will be November if she can negotiate the taxing 14-round process of qualifying school.
The youngster’s solid finish in 31st at the EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open last Sunday was a valuable step along the way with her coveted invite to compete beside the pros.
“It proves I can compete with the tour professionals and I know I can still play much better,” Kay said after rounds of 72-74-72.
“All experience playing in events like this gives me confidence in what it’s going to be like when I do turn professional but I have to stay patient and keep working hard.”
Kay’s hot eight-under-par 64 to lead after the opening round of last month’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific in Japan is what she is capable of at her best.
Father Scott caddied for Kay in Hong Kong but it’s a working relationship that may have a limited lifespan.
“I can’t say my dad is the best caddie in the world but we do have a lot of laughs out there,” Kay said.
“On the last hole (in the first round) I think the pin was 105m away and he said it was like 145.
“I said ‘wait, what?’ because I would have hit the ball into the grandstand.”
The Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club product will refresh at home before another mission abroad.
“Next is the British Women’s Amateur at Royal County Down (in Northern Ireland), the US Amateur and Q-school in August for the LPGA,” Kay said.
Kay will face some of the game’s best aspiring players at the first four-round stage of Qschool in California just to advance to the second stage in Florida.
Only then can she get a foot in the door for final qualifying over six rounds at Pinehurst in North Carolina where places on the LPGA and second-tier Symetra Tour are up for grabs.