Princeton University Athletics
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Two Former Women's Golfers Advance To Stage II Of LPGA Qualifying Series
September 06, 2023 | Women's Golf
A pair of former Princeton women's golfers have advanced to Stage II of the 2023 LPGA Qualifying Series after Top-20 finishes at Stage I.
Tiffany Kong '23 and Sophie Zhang-Murphy each tied for 19th at Stage I, earning their spot in Stage II as part of those finishing in the top 95 finishing positions. Kong shot 71-68-72-70 for her 281 (-7) while Zhang-Murphy's four rounds went 70-71-69-71 for her -7 finish.
"Seeing your former players chase their dreams is always exciting," said Princeton head coach Erika DeSanty. "Our student-athletes are driven and focused in everything they do, whether it is on the course or in their classroom. They have the ability and opportunity to excel in any area they choose, and right now we're seeing a few Tigers make some serious strides when it comes to pursuing golf as a profession. It's powerful and inspiring for future generations of Princeton women's golfers to see that you do not have to choose; you can obtain a world-class education and pursue your goal to play professionally."
Kong, a part of Princeton's 2022 Ivy League championship team, won the Lady Blue Hen event in the fall of 2021 and had three career runner-up finishes during her collegiate tenure. She also posted a low round of 66 during the 2021 Princeton Invitational which was one shot off of the school record low round.
A three-time WGCA Scholar All-American, Kong has put her off-course professional opportunities on hold for now while competing in the Qualifying Series.
"It was not an easy decision back in fall to stop applying to jobs and to commit to being a professional golfer," she said. "It was a decision that does not only involve me, but those around me. I am very grateful for the constant support that my family, friends and especially my Princeton family give every day. This is only the first step to many more, but I am excited to see what the future holds."
The immediate future for Kong and Zhang-Murphy involves Stage II of the Qualifying Series which will be held October 17-20 at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla. Each will play 72 holes of stroke play, with a to-be-determined number of entries to the final stage of the Qualifying Series up for grabs.
Through their efforts at Stage I, Kong and Zhang-Murphy, who decided to forgo the remainder of her collegiate eligibility and turn pro after her first season, have earned Category N status for the 2024 Epson Tour which provides entry opportunities into Epson Tour events during the 2024 season.
Tiffany Kong '23 and Sophie Zhang-Murphy each tied for 19th at Stage I, earning their spot in Stage II as part of those finishing in the top 95 finishing positions. Kong shot 71-68-72-70 for her 281 (-7) while Zhang-Murphy's four rounds went 70-71-69-71 for her -7 finish.
"Seeing your former players chase their dreams is always exciting," said Princeton head coach Erika DeSanty. "Our student-athletes are driven and focused in everything they do, whether it is on the course or in their classroom. They have the ability and opportunity to excel in any area they choose, and right now we're seeing a few Tigers make some serious strides when it comes to pursuing golf as a profession. It's powerful and inspiring for future generations of Princeton women's golfers to see that you do not have to choose; you can obtain a world-class education and pursue your goal to play professionally."
Kong, a part of Princeton's 2022 Ivy League championship team, won the Lady Blue Hen event in the fall of 2021 and had three career runner-up finishes during her collegiate tenure. She also posted a low round of 66 during the 2021 Princeton Invitational which was one shot off of the school record low round.
A three-time WGCA Scholar All-American, Kong has put her off-course professional opportunities on hold for now while competing in the Qualifying Series.
"It was not an easy decision back in fall to stop applying to jobs and to commit to being a professional golfer," she said. "It was a decision that does not only involve me, but those around me. I am very grateful for the constant support that my family, friends and especially my Princeton family give every day. This is only the first step to many more, but I am excited to see what the future holds."
The immediate future for Kong and Zhang-Murphy involves Stage II of the Qualifying Series which will be held October 17-20 at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla. Each will play 72 holes of stroke play, with a to-be-determined number of entries to the final stage of the Qualifying Series up for grabs.
Through their efforts at Stage I, Kong and Zhang-Murphy, who decided to forgo the remainder of her collegiate eligibility and turn pro after her first season, have earned Category N status for the 2024 Epson Tour which provides entry opportunities into Epson Tour events during the 2024 season.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Golf
/ Women's Golf
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