Strauss snares share of LPGA Q-School lead

South Africa’s Bertine Strauss claimed a share of the 36-hole lead in Stage One of LPGA Qualifying School with 17-year-old amateur Megan Khang.

The duo lead at 10-under-par 134 at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California and have a one stroke edge over Spanish amateur, Noemi Jimenez.

Strauss, who won her first pro title on the SunCoast Pro Tour at the same venue last week, posted two successive rounds of 67 to join Khang in pole position.

“Today was a pretty solid round,” said Strauss on Friday.

“I was hitting it really well, but I had a couple shaky holes on my back nine, which is the front nine on Dinah Shore. I gave myself a lot of chances and make a few putts.”

A total of 283 hopefuls teed it up in Stage One, but only the top 60 and ties will advance to Stage Two at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Florida in October.

Meanwhile Wanna Be A Champion stable-mates Ashleigh Simon and Nicole Garcia posted a pair of 69s to tie for 12th in the in the Tipsport Golf Masters in the Czech Republic.

Ladies European Tour winner Connie Chen finished a further stroke adrift at Golf Park Pilsen, while Stacy Bregman opened with an even-par 72 to join compatriot Laurette Maritz in a tie for 57th.

PHOTO – Bertine Strauss; credit WGSA