LPGA Trails PGA Tour In Offering Elite College Golfers Professional Opportunities, Coaches Frustrated By Limited Pathway
Leading college golf coaches are highlighting a significant disparity between opportunities for male and female amateur players transitioning to professional golf. USC women's golf head coach Justin Silverstein emphasizes that female college athletes receive far fewer tour starts compared to their male counterparts.
The LPGA Tour recently introduced the Elite Amateur Pathway (LEAP) program to address this gap. Similar to PGA Tour U, it uses a points system where players like Florida State's Lottie Woad (16 points) and USC's Jasmine Koo (6 points) can earn LPGA Tour cards.
Man in USC jacket standing
Despite the new initiative, Silverstein notes that top-ranked female amateurs still face limited opportunities. For example, Jasmine Koo, ranked No.3 in NCAA, might not play any professional tournaments in 2025 unless she qualifies for the US Women's Open.
Two golfers checking scorecards
The disparity is particularly evident when comparing male amateur opportunities. World amateur No.1 Luke Clanton has received multiple PGA Tour exemptions and is close to earning full status through PGA Tour U Accelerated.
Two golfers playing golf outdoors
Woman golfer in black outfit
Silverstein, who has led USC to 23 wins and multiple conference titles, believes the LPGA Tour and other stakeholders need to provide more tournament opportunities for leading female college golfers to help bridge the gap between amateur and professional golf. He suggests this would help reduce the transition time for elite players reaching the professional ranks.