With Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina committing to a three-year deal as the presenting sponsor, the LPGA today unveiled its new qualifying finale, dubbed the LPGA Q-Series.

Additionally, the LPGA announced that the maiden edition of the LPGA Q-Series will be moved from Daytona, Florida to Pinehurst in North Carolina (Oct. 22-Nov. 3, 2018).

“Blue Cross NC is proud to have this chance to make a meaningful investment in female leadership and empowerment,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, Blue Cross NC Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Community Engagement.

“We encourage women to find their own ways to Live Fearless, whether that’s through adopting healthy diet and lifestyle choices, making informed health care choices for themselves and their families, or even attempting to qualify for the LPGA Tour. We hope these talented golfers inspire women and girls of all ages to test the limits of their comfort zones as they pursue their Live Fearless dreams.”

Players will compete in two 72-hole events held on consecutive weeks (10/24-28 on Course No. 6 and 10/31-11/3 on Course No. 7). Scores will be tallied cumulatively over the eight rounds of golf with the top-45 finishers (and ties) receiving 2019 LPGA membership cards.

“We’re very happy that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina has decided to partner with the LPGA in the launch of the Q-Series,” said LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan.

“Together we will identify the next group of LPGA stars through this new and exciting format.

“Pinehurst Resort will provide a world-class platform for the competitors in their quest to qualify for the LPGA Tour, all in an enhanced format that we’re really excited to showcase in October.”

Stage I of Qualifying School will be held from Aug. 20-26, 2018 at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, while Stage II will be Oct. 13-18, 2018 in Venice, Florida at the Plantation Golf and Country Club.

THE SKINNY

Name: LPGA Q-Series
Sponsor: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
Dates: 10/24-10/27; 10/31-11/3
Where: Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina
Architects: George and Tom Fazio (No. 6); Rees Jones (No. 7)
Field: Maximum 108 players
Format: Two (2) 72-hole events; Stroke play; No cut; Cumulative score over 144 holes
Exempt: 101-150 LPGA Money List; 11-30 Symetra Money List; Top 5 Collegiate Rankings; 10 Top 75 Rolex Rankings; Top Finishers Stage II
Cards: Top 45 Finishers LPGA status; Remaining Symetra membership