It wasn’t the way Britney Yada drew it up, but she has something to show for this five-round marathon.
The third time was indeed a charm for Hilo’s Yada, who shot an even-par 72 on Sunday to catapult herself into position to earn a conditional card at the LPGA Tour qualifying tournament in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Yada tweeted: “Not the week I wanted, but happy to say I gained partial status for next season. Officially an LPGA tour rookie!!!”
The top 20 earned full cards and the next 25 and ties got conditional status.
Yada, who will be one of 31 LPGA rookies next season, started the fifth round in 50th, but the Waiakea graduate balanced two bogeys and two birdies on the Hills Course to rise to 35th.
She finished at 1-over par 361. On Wednesday, Yada opened with a 2-over 74 on the Hills Course before firing consecutive 71s on the Jones and Hill course, respectively, during the next two days. She fell back to 1-over on Saturday with a 73 on the Jones Course.
This was Yada’s third try at the third stage of Q-school.
She maintained her full status on the developmental Symetra Tour, where in 2016 she posted one top 10 finish and tied for 58th on the money list, earning $16,381.
On the Cactus Tour, Yada won six times in 14 tries, earning $25,086 this year.
On Sunday at LPGA International, Jaye Marie Green topped the 20 card-earners, making a 20-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a one-stroke victory. Green finished at 347.
Pavarisa Yoktuan and Karen Chung tied foe the final spot in the top 20 at 356.
