What Is the LPGA’s LEAP Program? The Latest Development in Women’s Golf Explained

The LPGA Tour has been making waves in 2025, introducing initiatives to tackle slow play and enhance the overall golfing experience. Under the guidance of interim commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, the LPGA has been working tirelessly to promote growth and innovation in women’s golf.

And now, they’re taking it to the next level with a game-changing initiative set to revolutionize the way top amateur female golfers turn pro. Say hello to the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway (LEAP) program and get ready to learn more about this innovative program that’s about to shake things up.

Here’s how it works, starting in 2025, female amateurs who accumulate a minimum of 20 points within a set criteria framework over four years will earn exempt Priority List status on the LPGA Tour. That’s right – these talented golfers will get to skip the qualifying process and dive straight into the action, provided they meet all LPGA Tour Membership requirements, of course!

Lottie Woad is currently sitting at 16 points and can reach the 20-point threshold needed to secure her LPGA card by winning the McCormack Medal again, which would earn her the remaining 4 points needed. But how can players be eligible? Well, to be eligible for LPGA membership through the LEAP program, players must meet standard membership requirements, including age and gender, and accumulate a minimum of 20 points. These points can be earned over four years, with the total calculation based on points earned in the current year and the previous three calendar years. Additionally, players must also turn professional to accept LPGA membership.

To earn the points, players have the option of five categories: World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), LPGA Official Tournament finish position, Amateur Championships, Awards, and Teams. For example, players can earn points for achieving a high WAGR ranking, finishing in the top 25 of an LPGA Major, or winning the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Players who earn 20 points have options for accepting membership, including deferring membership until the following season or accepting membership for the remainder of the current season and the following season.

More to know about the LEAP Program

The LEAP program is designed to provide a clear pathway for top amateur female golfers to join the LPGA Tour. But how does it work exactly? Well, athletes who earn their LPGA membership through LEAP will be placed in a new Priority List category, behind the “Career Top 40” and ahead of the “Current-Year Reshuffle” categories. The program also recognizes junior golf events and awards, such as the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship and AJGA Player of the Year, which have a proven track record of producing successful LPGA players. In terms of points accumulation, there’s no cap on the number of points a player can earn in most categories, except for the WAGR Ranking category, where points are only awarded for the player’s highest career ranking.

So, what happens when multiple amateurs qualify in the same year? Players will be ranked in order of the earliest date they earned their 20th point during the eligibility period. Additionally, ties are broken by the WAGR ranking on the day the 20th point is earned. And what about exemptions or sponsor invites for players who are close to meeting the points requirement? The LPGA Regulations allow for a maximum of six sponsors invitations per athlete per year, and players can also contact tournaments directly for potential exemptions. Once a player accumulates 20 points, the LPGA will notify them and guide them through the next steps to transition to full LPGA membership. It’s worth noting that players must turn professional to take up LPGA membership, but accumulating points doesn’t affect their amateur status until they choose to turn pro.