Seals Epson Tour Exemption with Dramatic Late Surge on Final Day
February 5, 2025 — Miami, FL
In a performance defined by grit and resilience, Abbey Daniel (West Point, Mississippi) secured her first professional victory at the NXXT Women’s Pro Tour stop at Mission Inn Resort. Entering her second year on the NXXT circuit, the former Mississippi State standout weathered a bumpy front nine on the final day before igniting a thrilling comeback—capped by a pivotal eagle on the par-5 14th and an eight-foot clincher on the 18th—to edge out Erica Shepherd (Greenwood, Indiana) by a single stroke.
Daniel posted rounds of 73–69–73 (-1 overall), showcasing both her steady progression as a professional and her readiness to shine under pressure.
“I can’t describe how much this win means,” Daniel said. “I’ve been working hard on all aspects of my game since my rookie season on the NXXT Tour, and to finally break through here at Mission Inn is so special. That eagle on 14 really swung the momentum, and I’m beyond excited to see what the future holds"
Runner-Up Shepherd Earns Epson Tour Berth
Despite coming up just one shot short, Erica Shepherd delivered the tournament’s lowest final-round score (69) to finish at even-par overall. A two-time USGA champion and Duke University alumna, Shepherd displayed the poised ball-striking and deft putting she’s known for, earning her a prized Epson Tour exemption as well.
“I’m thrilled with how I played, especially on such a tough course. This sets the stage nicely for my next steps, including competing on the Epson Tour next month.”
Both Daniel and Shepherd now look ahead to the Central Florida Championship (February 28 – March 2) at Country Club of Winter Haven—an Epson Tour season-opener boasting a $250,000 purse.
Deep Field of Champions
The Mission Inn showdown brought together an array of proven winners and emerging stars:
Three NXXT Champions from This Year:
Leigha Devine (Colorado)
Lauren Miller (Dallas, TX)
Megan Schofill (Florida) — also a former U.S. Women’s Amateur champion
Another Former U.S. Women’s Amateur Winner:
Jensen Castle
Prior NXXT Champions:
Jessica Welch (Thomasville, GA)
Maria Bohorquez (Orlando/Colombia)
Such a stacked field emphasized the NXXT Tour’s growing reputation for assembling top-tier talent at every event.
Drive to the LPGA Race Intensifies
With Daniel’s victory, the Drive to the LPGA Player of the Year standings grew ever tighter. The top three players at season’s end earn full coverage of their LPGA Stage I Q-School fees—further ramping up the stakes at each upcoming stop.
Next Stop: Alaqua’s Battle for More Exemptions
The spotlight now turns to Alaqua, where another two Epson Tour exemptions will be awarded. With Daniel riding the high of her maiden victory and Shepherd hungry for a title of her own, the competitive fires are sure to burn bright.
Meanwhile, other familiar names—Devine, Miller, Schofill, Castle, Welch, and Bohorquez—are eager to improve their standing in the Drive to the LPGA race and capture more hardware. In the field next week will be 2 time NXXT Champion Annabelle Pancake, vying for her 3rd title of the season.
“Abbey’s breakthrough triumph is exactly what the NXXT Tour is all about—giving up-and-coming players a real stage to prove themselves,” said Stuart McKinnon, CEO of NXXT Golf. “As we head to Alaqua, the hunt for exemptions, points, and the Player of the Year honor will only get fiercer.”
About the NXXT Women’s Pro Tour
The NXXT Women’s Pro Tour creates premium opportunities for rising women golfers, offering meaningful purses, critical Epson Tour exemptions, and invaluable competitive experience.
Partnered with the Epson Tour and LPGA, NXXT propels emerging talents toward the highest levels of professional golf.
For more information on event schedules, player profiles, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.nxxtwomensprotour.com. Stuart McKinnon
CEO, NXXT Golf & NXXT Golf Foundation