“It feels like home,” said Chan, a Epson Tour rookie.
LPGA International hosts Daytona State and features two tracks—the Hills Course and the Jones Course. So it truly is a slice of home for Chan, as well as a walk down memory lane.
Although the former two-time, first-team National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American enjoys the challenge of the Hills Course, it will be the Jones Course that offers the backdrop for the Epson Tour Championship (October 5-8).
Beyond knowing each course like the back of her hand, Chan also stays in touch with Daytona State College women’s golf head coach Laura Brown. In addition, when her schedule allows, Chan still hits the links with LPGA International golf employees Brian Kusiak and Bill Volkman.
“I came here almost everyday,” said Chan, referring to her time as a Falcon.
After graduating from Daytona State College in 2015, Chan transferred to the University of Southern California. Division I opponents offered a step-up in competition from the junior college scene to help prepare for the jump to the professional ranks.
“Coming from junior college, you don’t know how others think of you,” Chan said. “I improve faster when I see better players play.”
From her college experience, to playing in the 2016 Olympic Games, and now grinding it out on the Epson Tour, Chan has learned how to quickly refocus and straighten out her game week to week.
“To me, it’s always a challenge,” said Chan. “One of the hardest things I’ve found is you have to keep going. What can I do to improve the next week?”
Ten LPGA cards will be handed out following the final round of the Epson Tour Championship on Sunday, and the top 23 players still have a mathematical chance at finishing inside those coveted spots. However, after the top 10, the next 15 players (excluding LPGA Tour members) earn exemption from Stage II of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament.
Chan is No. 28 on the current money leaders list heading into the final event of the 2017 season. A strong finish at LPGA International this weekend will keep her in that group of the next 15, continuing to push toward a LPGA Tour card.
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