The LPGA rookie class of 2024 is filled with talented players from around the world. This year, 26 players from 12 different countries are ready to make their mark on the tour. One of the standout rookies is Gabriela Ruffels, the former U.S. Women’s Amateur champion. Despite a paperwork error that delayed her journey, Ruffels topped the Epson Tour’s money list and earned her LPGA card.
Joining Ruffels is a diverse group of rookies, including Trichat Cheenglab from Thailand. Cheenglab had a successful season on the Ladies European Tour in 2023, with five top-10 finishes and a win at the Big Green Egg Open. In recognition of her achievements, she finished first in the Race to Casta del Sol Ranking and was named LET Rookie of the Year.
Alexandra Forsterling from Germany is another rookie to watch. As a former Arizona State player, Forsterling made an impact on the LET in 2023, winning two tournaments as a rookie: the Mallorca Ladies Open and the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open. Additionally, she has a strong amateur record, with three Berlin Open victories to her name.
Nataliya Guseva, the first Russian player to earn an LPGA card, is another rookie making waves. Guseva had an impressive debut season on the Epson Tour in 2023, winning the Black Desert Resort Championship and securing two other top-10 finishes. She then showcased her skills at the LET Q-School in Morocco, dominating the field and winning by four shots.
In preparation for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, it’s worth noting that individuals who qualify from Russia will compete as neutral athletes, without any display of the Russian flag, anthem, or colors.
Jin Hee Im from South Korea brings a wealth of experience from the KLPGA to her rookie season on the LPGA. With six wins and over $1.6 million in career earnings, Im is primed to make a strong impact. She had a successful 2023 season in South Korea, winning four tournaments and is currently ranked 40th in the Rolex Rankings.
Among the rookies is Mone Inami from Japan, a 13-time winner on the JLPGA. Inami accepted LPGA membership for 2024 after her victory at the Toto Japan Classic in November 2023. She also earned a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and is named after famed painter Claude Monet.
So Mi Lee from South Korea is another rookie from the KLPGA. With five victories on her home tour, including the 2022 S-Oil Championship, Lee has proven herself as a talented player. She has made six starts on the LPGA, with a fourth-place finish at the 2019 BMW Ladies Championship as her best result.
Representing Malaysia, Natasha Andrea Oon had a stellar season on the Epson Tour in 2023, finishing second on the money list and securing her LPGA card. Oon collected four second-place finishes and won her first professional title, the Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout. She was also honored with the 2023 Epson Tour Rookie of the Year award. Oon played collegiately at San Jose State, where she won the 2022 Juli Inkster Award.
Gabriela Ruffels from Australia is no stranger to success, having won the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 2019. Despite missing the LPGA Q-Series registration deadline in 2022, Ruffels had an outstanding season on the Epson Tour in 2023, winning three times in her first 15 starts. Her consistent performances earned her the title of 2023 Epson Tour Player of the Year and secured her LPGA card.
Mao Saigo from Japan has competed in numerous LPGA majors in recent years, showcasing her skills on the international stage. With six wins on the JLPGA and a strong LPGA record, Saigo is poised for success in her rookie season. She is currently ranked 44th in the Rolex Rankings.
Yu Jin Sung from South Korea is a rookie with plenty of experience on the KLPGA. With three career victories and multiple top-10 finishes, Sung has proven herself as a competitive player. She tied for seventh at Q-Series to earn her LPGA card and has one top-10 finish in her four LPGA starts.
Yuri Yoshida from Japan is a talented player who has tasted success on the JLPGA. With three wins, including a major, Yoshida is ready to make her mark on the LPGA. She tied for seventh at LPGA Q-Series to secure her card.
Liqi Zeng from China made a special petition to participate in LPGA Q-Series at age 17, showcasing her determination and talent. Zeng is a four-time winner on the China LPGA and finished 14th at Q-Series, earning her full LPGA card. Despite being below the minimum age requirement, Zeng’s exceptional skills have earned her a place among the top rookies of 2024.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How many rookies are there in the LPGA class of 2024?
The LPGA rookie class of 2024 consists of 26 players from 12 different countries.
Who is the standout rookie in the 2024 class?
Gabriela Ruffels, the former U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, is one of the most well-known rookies in the class. Despite a paperwork error, Ruffels topped the Epson Tour’s money list and earned her LPGA card.
Which rookies had successful seasons on their home tours?
Several rookies in the 2024 class had successful seasons on their home tours. Trichat Cheenglab from Thailand, Mone Inami from Japan, and So Mi Lee from South Korea are among the players who won multiple titles on their respective tours.
Who are the rookies from the United States?
The Class of 2024 includes five Americans: Gurleen Kaur, Auston Kim, Kaitlin Milligan, Malia Nam, and Gigi Still. The last American player to win the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award was Paula Creamer in 2005.
Are there any notable rookies from Russia?
Nataliya Guseva is the first Russian player to earn an LPGA card. However, due to International Olympic Committee guidelines, the Russian flag will not be displayed at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where neutral athletes from Russia will compete.
As we look forward to the 2024 LPGA season, these rookies are poised to make their mark on the tour. Their talent, determination, and international backgrounds highlight the global nature of the LPGA. Keep an eye on these players as they compete and strive for success on the world stage.
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