Pro career now in full focus for ex-Spartan golfer

Lindsey McPherson’s career path in golf drastically changed in the summer of 2014.

The then soon-to-be senior on the MSU golf team was planning for work life after college with a Bachelor's Degree (and eventually a Master’s) in hand, and likely a successful amateur golf career in between work hours.

She then accepted an invitation extended by the Meijer LPGA Classic for one MSU player and one University of Michigan golfer (Grace Choi) to play alongside the pros. McPherson did so well, missing the cut by just a handful of strokes, that thoughts of playing professional golf crept into her mind for the first time.

Those thoughts, and actions, are now front and center.

McPherson, a Flushing native, finished her MSU golf career a year ago, turned pro and tried to get through LPGA Q-School in the fall, earned her Master’s in December and then took off for Florida to play some mini-tours. She finished 8-of-12 tournaments in the top 10, making every cut, and took third in the Florida Women’s Open.

She’s back in Michigan and will play again in the Meijer LPGA Classic June 16-19 at Blythefield Country Club just north of Grand Rapids. LPGA Tour golfers will be chasing a $2 million purse, one of the highest on tour.

“I’m just so blessed and elated and happy to be playing in the Meijer LPGA Classic against the best players in the world,” McPherson said. “That’s why we play golf at the highest level, because we want to play against the best in the world. I think if I can have a great finish at the Meijer – which is star-studded and is loaded with a great bunch of girls – that would give me such a boost. Forget about the huge purse, or all the other things that could come with it. Just for myself knowing that I can hang with the best players in the world is such a boost for your confidence, your mental game.”

She is being jointly sponsored for the event by Meijer and MSU.

In fact, playing in the inaugural Meijer tournament as a Spartan was key to her playing well. She said support from the Spartan Nation, shouts from the crowd and words of encouragement were a motivational boost.

“It really helped calm my nerves, and even as a college kid made me feel like I belonged there,” McPherson recalled.

A recent test also helped McPherson believe she belongs on the LPGA tour more regularly. During the May 23 qualifier for the U.S. Women’s Open in Illinois, McPherson was leading with five of the 36 holes remaining. Finishing with pars would have clinched the win and the Open invite; but she double-bogeyed holes 14 and 18, eventually placing second alternate, just one stroke from earning the second qualifying spot.

“My legs could have kept going forever, but my mind, after playing golf for almost 10 hours, having my mind engaged that long started to wear on me,” McPherson said. “I think the victory in that day was putting myself in position and feeling the pure, ice-cold pressure of coming down 18, having to make a par to make the U.S. Open. That is the most pressure I’ve ever felt.”

Unless she finds herself in the same position to win the Meijer LPGA Classic – a weight she’d surely welcome.