Golf: Bristow now on LPGA pace

New Zealand golfer Cathryn Bristow. Photo / APN

New Zealand golfer Cathryn Bristow has made inroads on the main movers after two rounds of the LPGA final qualifying tournament in the United States.

Bristow shot a even par 72 on the Legends course at Daytona, Florida, today to improve 26 places to a share of 21st.

She is on one-over 145, nine shots behind the leader, American Libby Smith, but just one shot behind eight players tied for 13th place.

The leading 20 players after five rounds earn their tour cards for 2011.

Aucklander Bristow tied for 22nd place at the same tournament last year, which gave her a limited ticket on this year's LPGA Tour when she became the first New Zealander to compete on the circuit there since Marnie McGuire retired in 2004.

Bristow appeared mostly on the second tier Futures Tour but contested three LPGA events, missing two cuts and finishing 69th at the Safeway Classic in Oregon in August.

Before turning professional a year ago, she had a successful collegiate career at the University of Oregon.

- NZPA