Former Mississippi State Golfer Ally McDonald Earns LPGA Tour Status

Called one of the most stressful tournaments in golf, qualifying school forces golfers to compete against one another for status on the highest professional tour, and Sunday, former Mississippi State golfer Ally McDonald learned that she had earned Category 17 status on the LPGA tour following her 22nd place finish at qualifying school.

McDonald fired rounds of 74-70-70-73-70 for a total of 357 in the 90-hole event.

The top 20 finishers earn Category 12 status for the LPGA tour, giving them full status on the LPGA tour.  McDonald, and all of the other golfers who finished from 21st to 40th earned conditional status. That means that they will not always be able to enter into every LPGA tournament, so they will split time between the LPGA and the Symetra Tour.

McDonald, who finished in a tie for 22nd, missed the top-20 by one stroke.

In addition to her playing career, McDonald also serves as a volunteer coach for the Mississippi State women's golf team.