LPGA Futures Tour tournament winner and rookie Valentine Derrey of Paris, France, finished No. 7 in season earnings at $34,572.

Derrey had a great rookie year in 2011. In 15 starts, she recorded three top-five finishes , including a win at the Tate & Lyle Players Championship - Decatur, Ill.

Here’s what Derrey has to say about her 2011 Futures Tour seasons and her advice to the next rookies of 2012:

LPGA: How would you describe your 2011 season on the LPGA Futures Tour?
DERREY: Pretty good season since I had my first win as a professional. I have learned a lot this season and now have more experience to take into the next year.

LPGA: How do you feel about earning your LPGA card for 2012?
DERREY: It is great to be on the LPGA in 2012. I have accomplished one of my goals, but I know I still have a lot of work to do and a lot of things to learn.

LPGA: Have you set any goals yet for the LPGA Tour?
DERREY: I haven't set any goals for the LPGA Tour. This year is going to be a year of learning and gaining more experience.

LPGA: You earned a trip to the LPGA Qualifying Tournament Final Stage in Daytona Beach are you planning on attending? How are you preparing for the tournament?
DERREY: Yes I am. I will be playing in two Sun Coast Series events which are in November that take place at LPGA International.

LPGA: What are your plans for the off-season?
DERREY: Work on my swing, my putting, short game, mental game and my conditioning.

LPGA: You had a great rookie year – winning the Tate & Lyle Players Championship in Decatur, Ill., finishing in the top-10, earning LPGA membership; What advice would you give to next year’s rookie class?
DERREY: Each tournament is a practice tournament. Each tournament gives you more experience. Do not give up if you start missing cuts, but try and analyze what went wrong . TRUST yourself and your game.

LPGA: What did you learn most about your game this season?
DERREY: It is all about confidence and trusting yourself and your abilities to play well even though your round isn't going like you wanted to.

LPGA: When the top-10 Futures Tour players earn their cards, they get giant replicas of their LPGA Tour card. Do you still have your big card?
DERREY: YES

LPGA: If you weren’t a professional golfer what else would you do?
DERREY: I would for sure work in Sports, I'm a sport addict.

 

Topics: Derrey, Valentine, Get to know