Dec. 3, 2012

OXFORD, Miss. – Former Ole Miss women’s golfer Haley Millsap is officially an LPGA rookie after her 27^th-place finish in Stage III of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament held Nov. 28 – Dec. 2 in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Millsap carded a 1-under 359 in the five-round tournament to finish in a tie for 27^th out of 121 competitors.  The top 20 players earned Priority in Category 12. Players who finished in the 21^st -45^th spots earned Priority in Category 17, meaning they are not fully exempt but have Symetra Tour status and will play in some LPGA events in 2013.

“The feeling I have is gratitude,” Millsap said.  “Making it to the LPGA has been my dream since I was a little girl. There were many goals set from there to now but this is an accomplished dream. It didn't happen alone and that is what makes it that much more special. The work I put into this started with believing, knowing it was something bigger than ME but not bigger than the good Lord. We kept faith and we fought the fight.”

Millsap is the third Ole Miss LPGA player, joining Dori Carter (2006-09) and Bernadette Luse (2000-03).

Q-School is a three stage tournament.  Millsap finished seventh in Stage II with a 5-under 283 in the four-day tournament in October.  She carded four-consecutive below par rounds (71-70-71-71) to become one of 70 golfers to advance to Stage III. Stage II was held Oct. 9-12 at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla.

In Stage I, Millsap finished in a tie for 45^th to be one of 60 golfers to advance to Stage II. She carded a 4-over 292 in Stage I, including firing a 1-under 71 in the final round to move up the leaderboard.

“My next step is to keep believing knowing the good Lord has his plan,” she said. “It's all for His purpose and glory. I am going to enjoy the holidays and figure out what to do about raising support.  In the spring, I will continue to finish Downline Ministries in Memphis, Tenn., along with work and practice. I will start the tour in February playing in Symetra Tour events and the selected LPGA events I get into. It's going to be a fun journey!”

During her career at Ole Miss, Millsap posted eight top-20 finishes and two top-10 finishes during her career and was also named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll, the Chancellor's Honor Roll and an NGCA All-American Scholar.

Q-School Stage III Final Results