Korda passes LPGA Q-School test

Jessica Korda at this year's U.S. Women's Open/provided by McClatchy News-Service

Bradenton's Jessica Korda lost out on medalist honors at LPGA Q-School to former IMG Academies' prodigy Aree Song, but Korda still managed to gain a spot in the top 20.

Those players are granted full-time status on the LPGA Tour, although Korda said this past summer she would have to ask permission for entry due to the LPGA Tour's age restriction.

The Golf Channel's Randall Mell reports that the LPGA is granting Korda a special waiver.

Following her round of 77 in the cold, windy conditions at LPGA International in Daytona Beach on Sunday, Korda had this to say about her round to a LPGA public relations member:

"It was a tough, tough day because it was really windy, and I lost my balance about 20 times," Korda said. "But this is a dream come true."

Korda, who finished runner up in the U.S. Women's Amateur and was on the winning 2010 U.S. Curtis Cup team, then explained what her future decision would be - whether to go pro or remain an amateur:

"I knew I always wanted to turn pro, but I never thought I’d do it this year," she said. "I’ve had a really good year and I’m so glad I get to finish it out here, turning pro at LPGA Q-school."

Song garnered medalist honors with a 6-under par total for the five-round tournament.

Korda finished two strokes back of her.

Former Pendleton School and Arizona State standout, Jaclyn Sweeney, ballooned to a 78 during a difficult scoring day.

That sent Sweeney to a tie for 44th, just one shot behind the final conditional (priority list category 20) berths for the 2011 LPGA Tour season.

UNLV, IMG Academies and Big Break alum, Seema Sadekar, soared to an 82 on Sunday to take 73rd place - the last position among those making the 72-hole cut.