LPGA postpones Q-Series qualifying stage ahead of Hurricane Milton

Before it has even made landfall in the United States, Hurricane Milton is affecting professional golf.

The LPGA announced Tuesday its Qualifying Stage Q-Series event, scheduled for Oct. 13-18 at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Florida, has been postponed. The decision was made because of the “potential impacts of Hurricane Milton, and with the safety of athletes, caddies, staff, volunteers, and the local community as our top priority.”

“Updates will be announced following a thorough assessment of conditions after the storm passes,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts are with the entire Florida community as we prepare for the storm.”

Venice is located about an hour south of Tampa, an area which is expected to take a direct hit from Milton, which is moving eastward through the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 5 hurricane. Landfall is expected late Wednesday.

The Qualifying Stage is the second of three in the LPGA Q-Series. Last month, pre-qualifying was held in California at Mission Hills Country Club and Indian Wells Golf Course. Final Qualifying is scheduled for Dec. 5-9 in Mobile, Alabama, at Magnolia Grove Golf Club.