This is the third time Alana Uriell has taken on the grind of LPGA Q-Series. In 2018, Uriell rallied for a T20 result and then finished in a tie for 11th in 2019. Since those opportunities, Uriell has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge on the Epson and LPGA Tours, which she’s utilizing as she continues through in these two weeks of marathon play.
“I would say my past experience now being on the LPGA has really helped me feel more comfortable competing at the highest level, and coming out here I feel like I have a lot of experience from that time,” said Uriell. “There is nothing that I haven't seen before. This is definitely different than other years.”
The former University of Arkansas Razorback continued to jump up the leaderboard at Highland Oaks, recording the lowest round she’s ever posted in a Q-Series event, a 5-under 67. It was the second-lowest round among competitors on Friday as sunbeams separated the clouds to give way to the first sight of sunlight all week in Dothan. With the wind picking up later in the afternoon before dusk, Uriell said she stuck to her process despite an early wake-up call and fog delays.
“These greens are rolling so fast. You have to be on the right tier, and I felt like I was reading greens really well today and putting it in the right place. That's huge for this course,” said Uriell, who posted two bogeys and seven birdies on Friday.
Uriell, who recorded two top-25 results in 2021 on the LPGA Tour that included a season-best tie for 15th at the Cambia Portland Classic, is currently T17 at -14. The thoughts and nerves of this week may lurk, but Uriell is keeping her mind on the present as she heads into the weekend. “I would say my mindset has been just stay loose and trust the process and just make sure that I realize that this game that we're playing is just a game,” said Uriell. “I play it all the time, and just because there is a little extra pressure adding the card in there doesn't mean I should do anything different.”
)
)
)
)
