Emily Odwin, a trailblazing golfer from Barbados, continues to etch her name in the annals of her nation’s sporting history. Having already made waves as the first Barbadian to qualify for a major championship at the 2025 US Women’s Open, Odwin has now secured her spot in the final stage of the LPGA Q School. This prestigious pathway offers the opportunity to earn membership on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and Epson Tour. Her journey through the qualifying rounds has been nothing short of remarkable. After a challenging opening round of plus-2 74 at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Florida, Odwin showcased her resilience with a stellar minus-3 69 on the second day. She maintained her momentum with a minus-1 71 in the penultimate round and concluded with a strong minus-2 70 on Sunday, finishing four below par at 284 over 72 holes. This performance has earned her a place in the Final Qualifying Stage, set to begin on December 4 in Mobile, Alabama. Odwin’s golfing journey began at the age of 11, representing Barbados in regional and international events. In 2021, she became the first Caribbean golfer to qualify for both the USGA Girls Junior and the USGA Women’s Amateur Golf Championships. A student-athlete at Southern Methodist University, Odwin has a decorated history, including victories at the Royal Westmoreland Ladies Open, the Caribbean Amateur Junior Championships, and the HJGT Tournament of Champions in 2019. Out of the 196 players who began this qualifying journey, only the top 45, including Odwin, have advanced to the final stage. Notable players such as Maria Fassi, Jennifer Song, Sarah Kemp, and Latanna Stone missed the cut. With the deadline for declaring professional status set for November 14, Odwin’s focus remains on securing her LPGA tour card and continuing to inspire future generations of Barbadian golfers.
