Muni He (Chengdu, China) went under-par every round of the 2019 LPGA Q-Series presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina en route to medalist honors in Pinehurst, N.C. He shot a final-round 70 to finish the eight-round tournament at -21.
“I think more than winning it, just being able to shoot consistently under par in really not that easy conditions just proved to myself that I can do this and I can be consistent,” said He, who recorded five birdies and three birdies on the day. “I think consistency was something I was really striving for throughout the year. So towards later on in the year I had some really good rounds, but it was hard to keep it consistent. Now that I’ve proved to myself that, ‘Hey, I can do this,’ I think it’s really good to build upon for next year.”
He said her experience at Q-Series was a major learning experience for the 20-year-old. “I think I’ve learned that my game is enough for me to build upon and I shouldn’t be changing it just to fit the tour ideal, I guess,” said He. “I’ve also learned what’s the best mentality for me to compete under. So instead of really stressing about something, just staying relaxed is probably the best thing I can do for myself.”
Two-time LPGA Tour winner Hee Young Park (Seoul, South Korea), finished in solo second at -18 after posting a 2-under par 70 today as well. Yealimi Noh (Concord, California) earned her card with a third-place finish at -15, a relief after the LPGA Qualifying Tournament Stage II and then the two weeks at Q-Series on Pinehurst No. 9
“I’m excited to play and have chances to win. I’m just really happy to be out there when I’m going to be out there. I’m just excited,” said Noh.
The 10-year Tour veteran Haeji Kang recorded an even-par round to settle in at fourth at -10. Lindsey Weaver (Bellefontaine, Ohio) rounded out the top five with an eighth-round 71 to finish -9.
<b>Midwest Ties</b>
Elizabeth Nagel (-1, T16)
- Nagel, 27, is from DeWitt, Michigan
- She was a 2015 LPGA Tour rookie; she eight starts on the LPGA Tour 2015 and 2016, including finishing 63rd at the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open
- In 2019 on the Symetra Tour, Nagel made 13 cuts in 19 starts with two top-15 finishes
- She graduated from Michigan State University, where she helped lead the Spartans to three Big Ten titles
- Nagel won the 2018 Michigan PGA Women’s Championship by three strokes after overcoming a five-shot deficit
- Nagel was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in November 2012 and is currently in remission; she used the phrase “Spartan Strong” to inspire herself and her teammates
