Cyna fires 67, nears LPGA slot

THE PHILIPPINES’ Cyna Rodriguez moved closer to a dream LPGA Tour stint, shooting a bogey-free five-under 67 to grab a share of fourth spot heading to the final round of LPGA Qualifying School at LPGA Hills Course in Florida on Saturday.

Rodriguez lay six strokes behind Feng Simin of China after four rounds but the three-time ICTSI Ladies Tour Order of Merit winner has a clear shot at becoming only the second Filipino after Jennifer Rosales to play in the world’s top 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 279, in a tie with Thailand’s Budsabakorn Sukapan (71), Canada’s Maude-Aimee LeBlanc (69) and the United States’ Victoria Elizabeth (68).

The top 20 players will get full membership for next year’s LPGA Tour while those finishing 21st to 45th will earn conditional status.

Another Filipino, Dottie Ardina, stood at 59th after a 74.