LPGA rookie improves to 80 at PGA qualifier

Associated Press

LA QUINTA, Calif. — LPGA Tour rookie Isabelle Beisiegel shot a wind-blown 8-over 80 yesterday, improving slightly on the second day of a regional PGA Tour qualifying tournament.

Beisiegel beat 15 men and tied two others on an uncharacteristically cold, windy and rainy day in the desert near Palm Springs. Only one player was able to break par-72 on the 7,156-yard Greg Norman Course at PGA West.

"It was fun," said Beisiegel, who is trying to become the first woman to earn a spot on the men's tour. "A day like today, you think, man, in a couple of years I might be at the British Open and have the exact same conditions."

The 25-year-old Canadian made $120,586 on the LPGA Tour this year, earning a full exemption for next season.

Her 164 total is seventh-highest among 84 golfers trying to earn one of 23 berths into sectional qualifying.

"It was better. I felt more comfortable today," Beisiegel said. "I've hit 28 of 28 fairways, so I was pumped on the last hole for my 100 percent stat."

The tournament continues through tomorrow with no cut in the field.