LPGA Q-School Sectional Under Way

One of the more prominent players in the LPGA Q-School sectional qualifier that started on Tuesday in California is Jessica Korda. An amateur star, a member of the American Curtis Cup team, Korda is 17 years old. If she makes it through Q-School, she'll turn pro and become just the latest teenager to join the LPGA Tour. If she doesn't, she'll likely still turn pro and play the Duramed Futures Tour in 2011, or, less likely, go to college.

That's the familiar scene in women's golf these days: Teen phenoms bypassing school to turn pro. Some (Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel) meet with big success. Others don't. That's the topic that Beth Ann Baldry covers in the current Golfweek. The article is a superb look at women's golf, the lure of paydays to talented teens, and the realities of the road. Realities such as $60,000 in annual expenses, shrinking tournament opportunities, and almost no lucrative endorsement deals. Give it a read.

Afterward, you might even have a greater appreciation for the unique path traveled by Michelle Wie, who is managing to balance heavy course loads in difficult subjects at a top university with success on the LPGA Tour.

But back to Q-School: The four-round tournament that teed off today at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., is the first of two sectional qualifiers. (The second in is Florida, Sept. 28-Oct. 1).

Some familiar names are in the field. Among the top contenders: Former LPGA players: Sophia Sheridan, Nicole Perrot, Virada Nirapathpongporn, Charlotte Mayorkas Current LET players: Henni Zuel, Christel Boeljon Big Breakers: Carling Coffing, Bri Vega, Blair O'Neal, Elena Robles, Sara Brown, Seema Sadekar, Lili Alvarez Amateur/college stars: Kimberly Kim, Jessica Korda, Sydnee Michaels, Danielle McVeigh, Jennifer Johnson, Belen Mozo, Caroline Hedwall

Scores will be posted on LPGA.com at the conclusion of each round.

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