University of North Carolina Athletics
Perry Advances To Final Stage of LPGA Qualifying
October 4, 2014 | Women's Golf
VENICE, FLA. - Former University of North Carolina golfer Katherine Perry earns a spot in the LPGA Qualifying Tournament Stage III, the final step in qualifying for LPGA status. Perry fired a 1-over-par 73 in the final round of LPGA Qualifying Tournament Stage II played at the Bobcat and Panther Courses at Plantation Golf and Country Club.
Perry, a volunteer assistant coach for the Tar Heels from Cary, N.C., finished with a 3-under 285 total to tie for 10th place at the four-day event. Her 1-over 73 today was fired on the par 72, 6,490-yard Bobcat Course. She earlier fired rounds of 75 (Bobcat), 70 (Panther) and 67 (Panther). The LPGA Qualifying Tournament Stage III will be played Dec. 3-7 at LPGA International's Jones and Hill Courses in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Another former Tar Heel, Catherine O'Donnell, missed out on qualifying by just one stroke. O'Donnell fired a 4-over 76 in the final round on the Bobcat Course for an 8-over 296 total. She earlier fired rounds of 75 (Bobcat), 72 (Panther) and 73 (Panther) to tie for 86th place. The top 80 players including ties advance on to LPGA Qualifying Stage III. O'Donnell does, however, maintain her status on the Symetra Tour for 2015.
Perry, a starter for the Tar Heels the last four years, was selected to the 2012 All-ACC team and was named NGCA All-America Honorable Mention that same year. She was a three-time selection to the All-ACC Academic Women's Golf Team (2012-2014) and chosen to the ACC Honor Roll four times (2011-2014). During her Tar Heel career, Perry carded seven top-10 and 18 top-25 finishes. Perry had an impressive amateur career as well. She was the 2011 North Carolina Women's Amateur Champion and was the runner-up in 2012. She competed in the 2012 U.S. Women's Open and advanced to the round of 16 at the 2013 North and South Women's Amateur after advancing to the third round in 2011.
O'Donnell, from Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., was a four-time All-ACC performer and an All-America performer at Carolina and was selected the ACC Freshman of the Year in 2009. She won three collegiate tournaments and won a 2013 SunCoast Ladies Tour event. She had played on the Symetra Tour the last two years and has carded four top-10 finishes. O'Donnell participated in the 2014 U.S. Women's Open in Pinehurst. She was a gold medal winner at the 2010 University World Championships and represented Team USA in the 2011 University World Games.
