Golf

Temecula's Sydnee Michaels failed to produce a final-round rally for a top-40 finish at the final stage of LPGA Q-School on Sunday, shooting 5-over-par 77 for her worst round of the tournament.

In her first attempt at the 90-hole LPGA qualifying event, the 22-year-old UCLA graduate finished 14 over at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Temecula's Sydnee Michaels sneaked in under the 70-player cut line Saturday with her best round at the final stage of LPGA Q-School at Daytona Beach, Fla.

Michaels, 22, shot even-par 72 in the fourth round, birdieing three holes and bogeying three others following a fog delay on the Champions Course at LPGA International.

Temecula's Sydnee Michaels is tied for 69th after shooting a 3-over 75 in the third round of the LPGA's five-round final qualifying stage in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Michaels is at 9-over 225 for the three rounds.

La Quinta's Jennifer Johnson is tied for 44th with a 5-over 221.

Libby Smith is the overall leader at 7-under 209. Florida's Jessica Korda, 17, is 1 stroke back.

It's with a new captain at the helm that the Bob Hope Classic is revving up for its 52nd go on the week of Jan. 17.

Larry Thiel, a veteran director of the PGA Tour's The Memorial for Jack Nicklaus and The International tournaments, took over as the Classic's chairman following last year's event.

Temecula's Sydnee Michaels began play at the final stage of LPGA qualifying by shooting an opening-round 2-over-par 74 Wednesday on the Legends Course at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Michaels is among 16 players tied for 61st, trailing co-leaders Libby Smith, Reilley Rankin and Aree Song by 7 shots with four rounds left.

Five years ago, Sydnee Michaels sat perched on her parents' couch, with a few minutes to spare before a rehearsal for Temecula Linfield Christian's rendition of "Steel Magnolias."

A long-driving, brash and likable 17-year-old, she talked about the LPGA: "I could be out there. Honestly, I don't think that they're that much ahead of me. I'm coming."

Video: Interview with golfer Sydnee Michaels

Photo Gallery: Sydnee Michaels' Quest for the LPGA

Rickie Fowler's fantastic first season officially got even better Sunday.

Fowler, who grew up honing his substantial game in Murrieta, was named the PGA Tour's Rookie of the Year on Sunday. At 21, he is the second-youngest player to earn the distinction.

The only player to be younger: Tiger Woods, at 20, in 1996.

LPGA players have voted to allow transgender players to compete on tour in response to a lawsuit filed by a California woman who had her sex changed five years ago.

The players voted to remove the "female at birth" requirement from the tour's constitution at a year-end meeting at the LPGA Tour Championship.

They're hoping lots of slight alterations make a major difference at what now is known as Van Buren Executive Golf Course and Practice Facility.

A new sign is due shortly to announce as much to the passing motorists.

Beyond the sign, the staff at Van Buren -- long a local staple for junior golf -- is working to attract players of all ages and ability levels.

Dr. Thomas Hess, the Las Vegas physician who discovered the body of professional golfer Erica Blasberg, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Henderson Municipal Court to one count of misdemeanor obstruction.