One Step From The LPGA Tour

Oct. 13, 2004

By Matt Segal
Athletics Media Relations Intern

The odds are pretty good that Bernadette Luse will hear the Christmas carol "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" in the coming months. By the same token, it's probably a safe bet that Christmas presents aren't the only thing on her mind these days.

That's because, the former Ole Miss golfer is just one small step from becoming an everyday member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour.

A four-year letterwinner from 2000-2003, Luse will have a chance to realize one of her childhood dreams, when she plays in the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament Dec. 1-5. The tournament, which could feature as many as 200 individuals, will be played at the LPGA International Course in Daytona Beach, Fla., with 18 holes on each of the five competition days.

"I am very excited about this opportunity," Luse said. "Regardless of what happens, the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament will be a tremendous opportunity for me. I have a chance to make the LPGA Tour and that's all I could really ask for. Some of the world's very best golfers will be playing that week, but I'm trying to avoid the hype so I can concentrate on what I need to do. I just need to focus on my own game."

Luse's journey to the final stage began at the LPGA Sectional Qualifying Tournament in Rancho Mirage, Calif. After firing back-to-back 74s, Luse re-grouped to turn in a 70 in the third round and 71 in the fourth round. Her 72-hole total of 289 finished in a seven-way tie for 25th place.

The sectional field started with 186 participants and was cut down to 75 after the second round. Then, the group of 75 was narrowed to the Top 30 (plus ties) for berths in the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament. Luse was one of the 32 golfers to move on.

"Going in to the Sectional Qualifier, I tried not to get too excited because I knew the competition would be really strong," the Orlando, Fla., native said. "On the other hand, it takes a lot of confidence to be successful at this level. You almost have to go in expecting to make it. I tried to keep that upbeat attitude and positive thinking the entire time.

"My first goal was to play on the weekend and I accomplished that during the first two rounds. The third day, I shot a two-under-par and was tied for 32nd going into the final round. That night, I was a nervous wreck and couldn't sleep. All I could think about was, 'what do I need to shoot (in the fourth round) to make it?' I tried to take it one hole at a time during the final round. I tried to stay as relaxed as possible. Fortunately, I shot a 71 and ended up making it."

A typical week for Luse includes daily workouts at a gym and anywhere from 40 to 60 hours on a golf course. Luse spends most of her time at the Heathrow Country Club in Lake Mary, Fla., where she practices and works part-time. In June 2004, Luse qualified for the U.S. Women's Open at the country club, which is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Orlando.

"I really don't know what to expect in December," Luse admitted. "I am not concerned with what I have to shoot to advance. I just want to go to Daytona Beach and worry about my own game.

"At first, I was really nervous about the Sectional Qualifier. Then, I got into a zone and became much more comfortable with what I was doing. These tournaments will never be easy, but the more and more you play, the more comfortable you become. Over the next six weeks, I just want to work as hard as I possibly can and whatever happens, happens."

Luse's father, Bill, will caddy for her at the Final Qualifying Tournament. Luse hopes that having one of her biggest fans by her side will help with the focus and confidence needed to make the tour.

"The mental approach to this game is the toughest to conquer," Luse said. "It's easy to say that, 'I'm going to play my own game and just take one shot at a time,' but that's one of the most difficult parts for amateur golfers and even some professionals. I try to focus on my own game and not worry about what other people are shooting, but it's hard. At the Sectional Qualifer, I did a good job of staying focused and, if I can do that again, I think I'll do really well time this around."

Luse looks back at her days in Oxford with very fond memories. Less than two years since graduating from Ole Miss, Luse feels like competing in one of the nation's top conferences really helped her get a head start towards her dream of becoming a professional.

"If I had to do it all over, I'd choose Ole Miss again," the 23-year-old mentioned. "College was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Meghan Bolger was a great coach and really made me a better student-athlete. She really understands the game and knows how to deal with people.

"It was a great experience to compete against schools like Auburn, Georgia and Florida because I'm seeing those girls again in these national tournaments. It's much easier when you know your opponent. I competed with these girls in college and that gives me the confidence I need to make it professionally."

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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