Former Jackson State golfer Shasta Averyhardt became the first African-American woman to qualify for the Tour through qualifying school when she finished in a tie for 22nd place in Qualifying School. She will be the fourth African-American woman in the 60-year history of the LPGA.
Averyhardt, 24, is the only African-American who currently holds a Tour card, albeit on a provisional basis.
Averyhardt’s tie for 22nd place earned her status in priority list category 16, given to players who finish between 21st and 30th in qualifying school. Golfers in her category are exempt into the Monday qualifying tournaments for Tour events and could land a spot in a handful of LPGA tournaments.
“It has finally sunk in,” says Averyhardt. “I can’t say it’s a relief. It’s an accomplishment; it’s something I dreamed about. Now I’m finally able to complete a milestone.”
Averyhardt was a four-time All-American at Jackson State and a four-time SWAC champion at Jackson State. She also won the 2004 Michigan Powerbilt Junior Tour Championship, the 2005 Golf Association of Michigan Women’s Championship and the 2008 Michigan Women’s State Amateur Stroke Play Championship. Averyhardt won the 2009 Suncoast Event before turning pro earlier this year.
Information from Blackamericaweb.com contributed to this report.