Solid 67 sends Cyna closer to LPGA slot

MANILA, Philippines - Cyna Rodriguez took a step closer to achieving a dream LPGA Tour stint, firing what could be a career-defining bogey-free five-under 67 to grab a share of fourth heading to the final round of the Final LPGA Qualifying School at the LPGA International Hills Course in Florida Saturday.

Rodriguez still stood six strokes behind a solid Simin Feng of China after four rounds but the three-time ICTSI Ladies Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit winner is on her way to becoming only the second Filipina in 15 years to play in the world’s premier ladies pro golf circuit.

“I kept it simple. Hit the fairways and greens and make the most of my birdie chances. Prayers, please coach,” said Rodriguez in a text message to coach Bong Lopez of Team The Country Club.

Counting her two 71s and a 70, Rodriguez pooled a nine-under 279 to join Thai Budsabakorn Sukapan (71), Canadian Maude-Aimee LeBlanc (69) and Victoria Elizabeth of the US (68) at fourth heading to the final 18 holes of the ive-day elims.

The top 20 players after five rounds will get full membership for next year’s LPGA Tour while those finishing at 21st-45th and ties will earn conditional status.

Only the top 70 players plus ties out of the starting field of 157 made it to the final round with Dottie Ardina hanging on at 59th after a disastrous 74, also at the Hills layout.

“Cyna’s hard work is paying off,” said Lopez, noting his ward’s work ethics and determination to get into the big league.

“She has dominated the local circuit the last three years and she feels she’s ripe for LPGA. But there’s still a round left and she must stay focused on her target and not try to overdo things. I kept reminding her that the birdies will come,” said Lopez, also the mentor of Jennifer Rosales, who finished joint seventh in the Final LPGA Qualifying in 1999 and joined the tour in 2000, winning twice in 2004 and 2005.