Kelli finishes well in her first LPGA event

Tied for 27th in her first LPGA tournament, South Africa’s Kelli Shea finished on one under par on 212 (76,67,69) and can look back at this event with much pride. The 150 man field included 27 of the world’s top 30 golfers and South Africa’s Ashleigh Simon.

The previous week, Kelli carded a two under 69 to not only qualify for the P&G beauty NW Arkansas Championship but to win that qualification event.

After a disappointing first round, round two saw Kelli on the tee pretty early on Saturday morning knowing that there was a mountain to climb to make the cut. With the support of her team mates, The Razorbacks, Kelli began her second round on the 10th tee, birdied the par four 12th and par five 14th and made the turn at two under par. After two further birdies and one drop, she birdied the last hole, the 351 yard par four 9th to make the cut.

Signing for a four under 67 and after a long wait, she finally achieving her goal of making the cut. She became the only amateur to qualify for an LPGA and and then make the cut this season. In the final round, Kelli carded a two under par 69, including three birdies and a bogie to finish in 27th place alongside Michelle Wie, Christie Kerr and Jane Park.

Kelli and the Razorback women’s golf team open the 2009-10 season Saturday at the Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational in Albuquerque, New Mexico.