SPRINGDALE — University of Arkansas golfer Emma Lavy is taking another shot at playing with the professionals.
Lavy, who just finished her redshirt sophomore year with the Razorbacks, will play Monday in the LPGA qualifying event at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers in hopes of earning a spot in the LPGA’s NW Arkansas Championship, which will be held June 29 through July 1.
Lavy, 21, played in the qualifier last year but shot an 8-over-par 79 and failed to make it into the field.
The Monday qualifier begins at 1 p.m., and the top two finishers earn spots in the 144-player field that will compete in the 54-hole tournament.
“It’s such a great opportunity,” Lavy said. “I’m playing well. I’m hitting it pretty good, and I’ve learned a lot.”
What Lavy has learned most since last year is the mental toughness every golfer needs. Lavy had a good season for Arkansas, clearly establishing her as the team’s No. 2 golfer behind standout Emily Tubert, who also will take part in the NW Arkansas Championship on a sponsor’s exemption.
Lavy led the Razorbacks to the NCAA Championship, where Arkansas finished 23rd. She nearly led them to the SEC Championship, but shot an 11-over 83 in the final round at Blessings Golf Course in Fayetteville.
Lavy wasn’t the only one who played poorly in the blustery conditions that last day, but she felt responsible for Arkansas finishing second by one stroke to Auburn. With tears running down her face and sure that she had cost her team a conference title, Lavy answered questions from the media afterward.
“That’s golf,” Lavy said of her 83 at the SEC Championship, which was only two shots over the round average. “Anyone who tries to play this game knows you’re going to have some disappointments. You have to use it to make yourself better.”
Instead of breaking her, the experience fueled Lavy, who went on to finish 23rd at regionals and 71st at nationals.
“I learned at lot at SEC, especially that day,” she said.
At last year’s qualifier, Lavy said she was just happy to be there to enjoy the experience. The course played difficult in strong winds, and Lavy didn’t come close to qualifying with her 79, which was just one shot behind Lexi Thompson, who became the youngest player to win an LPGA event at 16 the next week.
This year Lavy won’t be content with just being in the qualifier, she wants to earn a spot in the full field.
“It would be awesome,” Lavy said. “I’m there to do as good as I can. I’m more in the mind-set that I want to do that.”
LPGA Tour
NW ARKANSAS CHAMPIONSHIP
WHAT Qualifying tournament WHEN 1 p.m. Monday WHERE Pinnacle Country Club, Rogers AT STAKE Two spots in the full field of the Northwest Arkansas Championship ADMISSION Free
Sports, Pages 32 on 06/24/2012