In 2019, the Epson Tour and Women’s All Pro Tour (WAPT) joined forces to promote and enhance the opportunities for women to compete in professional golf events. Two years later, the relationship continues to blossom. The top-5 players in the WAPT Player of the Year rankings (not already part of the field) earned an exemption into the LPGA Qualifying Tournament Stage II. Those players include Gabriella Then (Rancho Cucamonga, California), Pauline Del Rosario (Manila, Philippines), Sofia Garcia (Asuncion, Paraguay), Ginger Howard (Bradenton, Florida) and Jessica Porvasnik (Hinckley, Ohio).
Then didn’t play a competitive tournament from the fall of 2019 through spring 2021.
“I missed the cut by one at Stage I in 2019 and by that point, I had been traveling on the Epson Tour for three seasons, so I thought maybe that was it,” said Then, who last played a Epson Tour event in July 2019 at the Donald Ross Classic.
But it was the resounding faith in her abilities and encouragement from others that led the University of Southern California alumna to reassess her path.
“A lot of close family and friends really just saw the potential I had,” Then said. “They saw talent I did not see in myself and kept urging me to continue and try one more year at least. I didn't even know I was going to play on the WAPT, it just kind of sprung up on me. With a little financial help as well from close people around me, I started competing again this year.”
As a rookie, Then collected a career-best finish on the Epson Tour with a tie for fourth at the 2017 PHC Classic. In June, she secured her maiden WAPT victory at the Kathy Whitworth Paris Championship. Her transformation is noteworthy because of her extended absence from competition and the mindset that the WAPT has established for Then, and so many others.
“I think, yes, it did give me a confidence boost. Not that I never had it on the Epson Tour, but it's just a different mindset,” said Then, who captured five total top-10 results on the WAPT this season. “Back on the Epson Tour, I was getting burnt out because I was straight out of college and competing at a really high level. I think taking a step back, re-evaluating what I need to work on, and basically starting over made me realize why I wanted to continue playing golf and be out on Tour.
“There were a lot of pressure situations this summer, like going down the stretch with a lead or being in the final grouping. It all taught me a lot in terms of going into this week because you kind of understand your tendencies and being able to combat that [pressure]. I have been confident throughout and really understanding my game under pressure, so I'm really happy with the way it has all turned out so far.”
Porvasnik, the 2021 WAPT Player of the Year as the top-ranked individual on the money list, echoed the sentiments of how the WAPT has positively impacted her game.
“It’s a great opportunity that we could advance straight to Stage II after a great year on the WAPT. Until now, there hasn’t been a feeder tour to the Epson Tour,” said Porvasnik, who won the Bella Vista Charity Classic in June. “I feel very prepared heading into this week after competing all summer on the WAPT. We even had a few events where we played two courses in one week, just like Stage II.”
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