Laura Shanahan Rowe and Bobbi Salmon were the low two finishers in the 11-player qualifier on Thursday at the Pete Dye Course. They earn spots in the Senior LPGA Championship, which begins on Monday, July 10. The 54-hole tournament will be televised on Golf Channel from 4-6 p.m. each day.
Shanahan Rowe carded a 76 while Salmon turned in a 78.
“It was put your head down and keep working and not look up until it is all over,” said Rowe, who won the 2008 LPGA T&CP National Championship at Pinehurst, North Carolina. “This is a very exciting event for all of us Senior LPGA players.”
Shanahan Rowe spoke very highly of the course.
“I love this place,” said the New Hampshire native. “It’s so spectacular, it is probably the most incredible place I’ve ever been as far as the golf course. I love coming here and I was excited to come back.”
Nobody worked harder and spent more time trying to qualify than Salmon. She was overjoyed to hear her 78 held up.
“I’ve been working so hard for the last month to get out here,” said Salmon. “I just so wanted to qualify that I was playing 54-holes a day in 120-degree weather in Palm Desert, California. I started bogey-birdie-bogey-birdie and I just kept grinding out there. You could have knocked me out when I came in (and found out she qualified) I was so excited.”
Salmon, who played in four U.S. Women’s Open’s, never thought she would have the opportunity to compete on television again.
“When they first started the tour (Legends Tour), all my friends would ask me if I’m going to be on TV and I would say ‘not unless I’m naked or catch on fire’,” said Salmon. “So this is really a big deal and it is nice to be recognized. There are great players out here and I’m honored to be playing with them.”
Shanahan Rowe and Salmon will join a field that includes four Hall-of-Famers and a combined 310 LPGA wins between the 81 legends of the game.