Kempter Through LPGA Q School First Stage; Next Stop Florida

Posted on September 24th, 2009 by admin

Sandia High and recent University of Denver graduate, Katie Kempter has advanced through the first sectional qualifier in LPGA Q School.

The Arnold Palmer and Dinah Shore courses in Mission Hills Rancho Mirage, Calif., pared the 139 contestants down to the top 30 finishers and ties who will move on to the final stage held in December at the LPGA International courses in Dayton Beach, Fla.

Kempter carded a2-over par 290 for the four-round event (77-70-74-69). “It was a rough start, but I got the job done” Kempter said of her efforts which allow her to sit out the next sectional event.

She is the daughter of UNM Chamoionship Men’s Association player Chris Kempter. Katie Kempter recently caddied for teacher and mentor Bill Harvey at the Sun Country Players’ Championship at Isleta Eagle Golf Course.

The LPGA “Q-School” final includes the top 30 players and ties from the two sectional tournaments held on either coast, current LPGA professionals who did not earn enough to maintain their status, and top money winners from the Futures Tour. The top 20 players following 90 holes of play will earn their full player exemption with the LPGA for the 09-10 tournament season.