PRINCESS Superal passed the first stage of US LPGA Qualifying with ease, settling for a tie for second with a closing three-under-par 69 on Sunday at Rancho Mirage in California.
The country’s top amateur would have topped the tournament if not for missed putts on the last two holes.
She tallied 279, one shot behind Ecuadoran winner Daniela Darquea, in the first of three stages of qualifying that played rounds at the Gary Player, Dyna Shore and Arnold Palmer courses.
“She had the line on both putts but hit them short,” said swing guru Bong Lopez, Superal’s longtime coach who also caddied for the former US Women’s Girl’s champion.
Superal shot her best round of 68 on Saturday.
“I’ve always believed that her skill level is good for the LPGA,” Lopez said of Superal, who shared second with American Sarah Schmeizel.
Stage II will be played at Plantation GCC in Florida, from Oct. 20 to 23, where only the top 80 scores will advance to the final stage, set Nov. 30 to Dec. 4, at LPGA International in Daytona Beach. Musong R. Castillo