Borrelli Advances To Stage II Of LPGA Qualifying

Cal graduate transfer Annika Borrelli advanced to Stage II of LPGA Q-School after placing in the top-100 at Stage 1 qualifying last week at Mission Hills Country Club in Palm Desert.

Borrelli, who last month won her second consecutive California Women's Amateur championship, finished Stage 1 qualifying at 2-over par and in a tie for 98th place. The top 100 and ties advanced to Stage II, which will take place Oct. 18-21 at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla.

"Honestly, the feeling is still sinking in," said Borrelli, who was a three-time All-West Coast Conference selection at USF before transferring to Cal for the upcoming season. "I knew there were a lot of pros who have been trying for years, and having one week to really do well and advance puts a lot of pressure on people. It was just amazing to be in that position."

Borrelli had two under-par rounds and was at minus-2 heading into the final day of Stage I qualifying. She had five birdies in the third round when she carded a 70.

"Talking with her throughout the week, she really stayed true to herself which trickled down to the most important part – making shots," Cal head coach Nancy McDaniel said. "She set a goal for herself and achieved it, which is great for her and our program."

A minimum of the top 30 and ties will advance out of Stage II qualifying to Q-Series. Players who don't qualify but complete all four rounds at Stage II will automatically earn a spot on the 2023 Epson Tour.

"This definitely gave me a confidence boost," Borrelli said. "I know I can take this experience and apply it to college – not just for myself but for the team as well. I'm super excited to share the experience with my teammates."

This marks the second consecutive year a Cal women's golfer has advanced to at least Stage II qualifying of LPGA Q-School. Katherine Zhu, who graduated last spring, did so last year.

"Anytime someone does well in a big tournament like this, it's good for their own belief and the belief outside of the program," McDaniel said. "You can't get on the pro tour without taking the steps to get there. To have Annika on that path is great for our program."

Sophomore Jieming Yang finished at 6-over par, narrowly missing out on advancing in a tie for 125th. Senior Tzu-Yi Chang missed the cut.

The Bears open the season Sept. 12-13 at the Olympic Club Invitational in San Francisco.