Klatten Having Success As First Cougar To Play On LPGA Tour
6/3/2014 6:00:00 PM | Women's Golf
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Former College of Charleston standout Joanna Klatten (2007-08) became the first women's golfer in program history to make the LPGA Tour after qualifying for the tour back in December of 2013.
A native of Paris, France, Klatten is off to a successful start as she is currently No. 6 in the LPGA Rolex Rookie of the Year Rankings. In her latest start, she finished 13th at the Shoprite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer on June 1 in Galloway, N.J. Klatten earned $21,590 for the event moving her up to 84th on the current LPGA money list. She also placed 18th at the Kingsmill Championship Presented by JTBC on May 18 in Williamsburg, Va.
Over the past two years, Klatten was successful on the Ladies European Tour earning close to $250,000 during that span. She posted three Top 10 finishes on the tour as well as third at the Open de Espana. Klatten also owns a professional title winning the 2012 Victorian Open on the Asian LPGA Tour.
“Joanna is a very talented player,” CofC Head Coach Jamie Futrell said. “She has committed and dedicated herself to being the best player that she can be and she is now reaping the benefits of all of her hard work. I couldn't be happier for her.”
Klatten is one of four former CofC players currently playing professional golf. Two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year Steffi Kirchmayr (2006-09) and 2011 NCAA Regional qualifier Leigh Whittaker (2008-12) are currently on the Ladies European Tour, while Fiona Puyo (2006-09) is playing on the Symetra Tour.
Klatten continues her inaugural season on the LPGA Tour this weekend as she competes in the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Follow her journey via Twitter @Joanna_Klatten
