A final round 2-under par 70, was enough for Haylee Harford (Leavittsburg, Ohio) to enter a playoff last season at Alaqua Country Club but fell just short of her first “Road to the LPGA” win. Nonetheless, the 24-year-old earned a career-best runner-up to a fellow Furman University alumna.
“It was definitely an exciting tournament; it was one of my first tournaments on the Epson Tour and I played pretty solid all week and felt super comfortable out here. It’s a great place to be and all the guests were so welcoming to us,” said Harford. “I really like the layout of the course, so to get in that position in a playoff was really special, and especially with Laura it made for a good experience and brings back good memories. Hopefully this year I can do the same thing but get it done this time.”
Harford was a four-time All-Southern Conference performer for Furman University prior to starting her rookie year last season. Her finish in Longwood was one of two top-10 finishes in her first season on the “Road to the LPGA.” This year Harford kicked off the season with a fourth-place finish at the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic and after six events she stands at No. 9 in the Race for the Card.
“I’m feeling good about where my game is at right now. I think every tournament I have just been learning more about my game and myself. I see every tournament as an opportunity to growing and keep getting better.”
Following the IOA Golf Classic presented by RP Funding, Harford will travel to the west coast to compete in her first U.S. Women’s Open after qualifying at Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club.
“It’s a dream I am really excited for the opportunity. I am going to treat it just like every other event going into to,” said Harford. “I am going to get there a few days early and made the decision to skip next week, which was kind of a bummer because I played well there last year. But I have to go get adjusted to the climate in San Francisco and give it my best shot.”
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