Opportunities for male college players at the pro level have been growing rapidly, narrowing the gap between amateurs and pros. ASU men’s golf associate head coach, Thomas Sutton, has pointed out that this shift is one of the main reasons why the amateur and professional games are closer than ever. World No. 1 amateur Luke Clanton has led the way with multiple exemptions into PGA Tour events and is on track to earn full status through the PGA Tour U Accelerated program.

To fast-track emerging female talent, the LPGA introduced the Elite Amateur Pathway in February, mirroring the PGA Tour U system. Florida State’s Lottie Woad is leading the points race, just a few away from a full LPGA card. While progress is being made, USC women’s golf coach Justin Silverstein noted that, before this year, top female amateurs rarely had the opportunity to compete at the tour level. This gap between opportunities for male and female college golfers remains a challenge.

Justin Silverstein points out inequalities in opportunities

Justin Silverstein, head coach of the USC women’s golf team, has been a fixture in college golf for over a decade. He shared that the lack of opportunities for female players has long been a source of frustration for both him and many other coaches across top-tier programs. He pointed out that the men’s college players are getting an advantage with Korn Ferry and PGA Tour starts, opportunities that are much more limited for women.

Silverstein believes the gap between amateur and professional levels is harder to bridge for women, largely due to the stark contrast in tour starts available. Coaches across the NCAA system are increasingly concerned about the lack of access to LPGA and Epson Tour events for their athletes, making the transition to the pro circuit far more difficult for female players. Silverstein emphasized that while progress is being made, the opportunities for women are still lagging.

He pointed out that the LPGA has yet to fully embrace a system that provides the same pathways for female players. “We’ve been vocal about it to the LPGA,” he said, noting that some coaches at the elite level have managed to get their concerns heard, but not to the same extent as the men’s side. He expressed frustration with the lack of collaboration between top tours and women’s collegiate coaches. “The willingness to work with us has been less than it has been with the men’s programs,” he added. Although things are moving in the right direction, he stressed that the change needs to come much faster