Hampstead native Thibodeau, 14, and Khang, 16, to play in Epson Tour event
GOFFSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, August 2, 2014 – The Epson Tour, the Road to the LPGA, is coming to Goffstown for the New England Charity Classic from August 8-10 at Stonebridge Country Club. Two golf prodigies Lauren Thibodeau and Megan Khang have received sponsor exemptions into the field. Thibodeau is a native of Hampstead, New Hampshire while Khang is from Rockland, Massachusetts.
Thibodeau, 14, and Khang, 16, will join the top 144 players on the LPGA Epson Tour to compete for their share of the $100,000 total purse. The winner will receive $15,000.
“After searching New England for two exemptions for the New England Charity Classic, both Lauren and Megan not only represent the game with skill and passion, but had very strong roots here in New England,” said Jason Jozokos, tournament director and GM of Stonebridge Country Club. “We are extremely excited for them both and wish them the best of luck.”
Thibodeau, who will be a freshman at Pinkerton Academy in Derry in the fall, already has an impressive golf resume. As an 11-year-old, she won the New Hampshire Women’s Golf Association Junior Championship, beating girls up to six years her senior. The following year, she successfully defended her NHWGA junior championship. She also finished ninth amongst 12-year-old girls at the U.S. Kids World Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
“I was stoked when I got the email and just shocked,” said Thibodeau. “I used to go watch the Epson Tour at Beaver Meadow and now I get to play in an event so it’s awesome.
It will be her first professional event.
“I’m excited to see all the professionals. I watch Big Break all the time and I heard Sadena Parks just won so it will cool to see her and seeing Cheyenne Woods will also be cool.”
Khang, a senior-to-be at Rockland High School in Massachusetts, played in her second U.S. Women’s Open at Pinehurst number two this year. Khang first played in the Open as a 14-year-old in 2012.
“I knew they were only giving out two spots so I was happy to get one,” said Khang. “It’s a great opportunity to test myself against the best women’s golfers in the world.”
Khang is currently ranked No. 35 in the latest World Amateur Golf Rankings. Golfweek magazine has her as the first-best junior player. She finished second earlier this year at the ANNIKA Invitational and ninth at the Rolex Junior Championship.
Tickets are $10 for a one-day pass and $25 for all three days of the tournament. Children 16-years-old and under are admitted free.
For more information about the New England Charity Classic, visit http://www.necharityclassic.com.
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