Amateur Gianna Clemente makes cut and gets one step closer to LPGA Tour card.
Amateur Gianna Clemente finished T-30 and earned her second LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway (LEAP) point at the Honda LPGA Thailand.
LEAP gives women amateurs an opportunity to earn LPGA Tour membership via a points system based on the various performances in the current year and three previous seasons. A player must collect 20 total points to secure full LPGA Tour status through the LEAP program.
She collected her first point by being recognized as the 2024 AJGA Girls Rolex Player of the Year and her second for her finish at the Honda LPGA Thailand.
“It’s super important, I think, for not just my own (future), but for all the girls coming up behind me as well,” Clemente said. “I think its (LEAP) going to be great for amateurs in golf, and it’s going to give us a little bit of an advantage. I think it’s necessary for us. I think it’s really good progress for amateurs.”
Gianna has competed in seven previous LPGA Tour events in her young career. In 2022, as a 14-year-old, she Monday Qualifying for three consecutive LPGA tournaments. Clemente has played on some of the most iconic venues in golf, but this was her first time in Thailand.
“I think LPGA experience is really good for me. I’m trying to get as many exemptions as I can right now and trying to get all the experience. It’s also really fun for me and my dad. Anytime that he can caddie, it’s always a good time. It doesn’t feel super tense or I’m never super nervous.”
Clemente was named to the U.S. National Development Program for the second consecutive year and was also named to the USGA’s Elite Amateur Program.
Next Gianna will enjoy a couple weeks rest before preparing for the The Junior Invitational at Sage Valley in late March and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in early April.
As one of the best woman amateurs in the world, Gianna Clemente has her eye on competing on the LPGA Tour some day soon.
