November 20, 2024
The LPGA’s Elite Amateur Pathway (LEAP), debuting in 2025, offers top amateur women golfers a streamlined route to LPGA Tour Membership. Amateurs earning 20 points over a rolling four-year period through achievements like top World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) positions, LPGA tournament performances, amateur championships, and team selections gain Priority List status. Options include joining mid-season or deferring membership.
The program, praised by LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, aims to expand access for global talent, ensuring the best amateurs have a direct opportunity to compete professionally at the highest level.
Photographed at the 2024 Augusta National Women's Amateur, Lottie Woad currently has 16 points of the 20 required for LEAP | UPI/Alamy
Achieving the 20-point threshold
Qualified amateurs turning professional through this program that earn their 20th point prior to July 1 of the current year have three options:
Accept LPGA Membership before July 1 of the current year, and gain eligibility for the remainder of the current LPGA season only
Defer LPGA Membership until on or after July 1 of the current year, and gain eligibility for the remainder of the current and the following LPGA season
Defer LPGA Membership until the following season, and gain eligibility for the following LPGA season only
Qualified amateurs turning professional through this program that earn their 20th point on or after July 1 of the current year have two options:
Accept LPGA Membership for the remainder of the current LPGA season and the following LPGA season
Defer LPGA Membership until the following season, and gain eligibility for the following LPGA season only
If multiple players meet the 20-point threshold within the same year, the player who reaches it first will have higher Priority List placement.
