Newsmakers (Dec. 7): 19 AJGA Alums Pass Grueling PGA TOUR Q-School Test

Creamer, Lincicome Qualify for LPGA Tour
The reward for years of dedication and endurance of the ups and downs that go with a life of professional golf is, this week, for a relative few, a 2005 PGA TOUR card.

This latest high was awarded at the past week's PGA TOUR Q-School to several AJGA alums who have taken any number of paths to get to the same destination: the PGA TOUR. For some, it is a return to the place they once were, for others, it is a threshold they are crossing for the first time after enduring six rounds of physically and mentally draining golf.

Of the 35 golfers to qualify, 19 are AJGA alums. These include (in order of Q-School finish): Danny Briggs, Paul Claxton, Sean O'Hair, Roland Thatcher, Jason Bohn, D.J. Trahan, Matt Davidson, Jason Allred, D.J. Brigman, Joey Snyder III, Jim Carter, Mario Tiziani, Omar Uresti, David Hearn, Doug Barron, Mark Wilson, Lucas Glover, Charlie Wi and Will MacKenzie.

Paula Creamer of Pleasanton, Calif., earned her LPGA Tour card for the 2005 season after winning the Qualifying School Tournament with a 2-under-par 70 on the final day. Creamer pulled away from the field for a five-shot victory. Fellow AJGA member Brittany Lincicome also earned her Tour card with a final-round 68. Lincicome tied for 20th with the top 30 women earning exemptions for next year. Eight other AJGA alumni qualified, including Beth Bauer, Cathy Johnston-Forbes and Hana Kim, Emily Bastel, Celeste Troche, Angela Jerman, Dina Ammaccapane and Katie Allison.

Creamer, the 2003 Rolex Junior Player of the Year, competed in nine LPGA events in 2003-04. The 2004 first-team Rolex Junior All-American finished tied for second at this year's Shoprite LPGA Classic. Creamer has won 17 national junior golf events, including 12 of which were conducted by the AJGA.