Golfweek's No. 1 Amateur Turns Pro: Andrea Lee Says Goodbye To Stanford Midseason

Joining other LPGA Q-Series grads and even non-grads relegated to the Symetra Tour, Andrea Lee took longer than her peers but made it official Tuesday: she’s leaving fifth-ranked Stanford mid-season to play professionally.

Even though she’s a senior with a potential NCAA Championship run and Augusta National Women’s Amateur in her future, Lee joins teammate Albane Valenzuela in saying goodbye to Stanford.

From Beth Ann Nichols’ Golfweek story:

“It was really hard for sure,” said Lee of the decision. “I had people telling me to stay, people telling me to go. Ultimately, I chose to turn professional, knowing that it was the best decision for me and my career. Just trusting my own gut.”

While it’s hard to fault Lee for pursuing her dreams, the situation in golf is even more stark than one-and-done in basketball because these players are leaving their programs mid-season.

As for the LPGA, there will probably be players who turn pro and give them Tour a boost, but who are the two best known LPGA rookies right now? Jennifer Kupcho and Maria Fassi, who both played the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and deferred their LPGA status until the college season’s conclusion. Kupcho has made it to the 2019 season-ending CME Group Tour Championship.