Dominant -16 Performance Secures Epson Tour Exemption
(Lake Mary, FL) – The NXXT Women’s Pro Tour staged another thrilling week of competition at the NXXT Epson Tour Qualifier hosted by Alaqua Country Club, where 77 elite golfers battled for two coveted Epson Tour exemptions. Known for its tight fairways and demanding greens, Alaqua once again demanded every shot be near-perfect.
HAILEE COOPER RISES TO THE TOP
Hailee Cooper (University of Texas alum, Montgomery, TX) emerged as the champion with a commanding -16. She set the tone on Day 1 with a scintillating -9, one of the best rounds in tournament history.
“Alaqua can be punishing if you stray off-line,” said Cooper. “I was fortunate to find my rhythm early. Given the strength of the field, taking home this title means a lot.”
ENGLEMANN & McCRERY CAPTIVATE IN 7-HOLE PLAYOFF
The chase for the runner-up spot—and second Epson Tour exemption—came down to a gripping 7-hole playoff between Sadie Englemann (Stanford University, Austin, TX) and Avery McCrery (Wilmington, DE; Duke University commit), each tied at -12 after 54 holes. Englemann turned heads in Round 2 by firing a course-record -10, edging out Cooper’s near-record -9 from Day 1. Ultimately, Englemann drained a decisive 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th green to secure her exemption.
“That playoff was like nothing I’ve experienced,” Englemann said. “Avery pushed me at every turn—I’m proud of how we both fought.”
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES & TOP 5 FINISHERS
Champion (-16): Hailee Cooper — Will tee it up at the Epson 2025 IOA Golf Classic, March 14-16 at Alaqua Country Club
Runner-Up (-12): Sadie Englemann — Earned Epson Tour exemption for IOA Golf Classic
T2 (-12): Avery McCrery (Amateur, Duke commit) — Showed she can hang with the pros
4th (-11): Jackie Lucena (University of Florida, Gainesville, FL) — Solid 66-68-68
T5 (-10):
Sarah Kemp (Australia, Orlando, FL) — LPGA veteran showcasing her experience
Zoe Slaughter (Houston, TX) — Emerging player poised for bigger stages
Gile Bite Starkute (Vilnius, Lithuania) — Maintains consistent form in 2025 season
A WORLD-CLASS FIELD
From past NXXT champion Annabelle Pancake to former U.S. Women’s Amateur winners Megan Schofill and Jensen Castle, the tournament showcased impressive star power. LPGA standouts Minji Kang and Sarah Kemp added international flair, while up-and-coming pros like Rachel Kuehn (Wake Forest University alum, Asheville, NC; T12 at -7) and Erica Shepherd (Greenwood, IN; T10 at -8) demonstrated the bright futures ahead for the next wave of women’s golf.
WHAT’S NEXT
The NXXT Tour excitement continues at the NXXT Epson Tour Qualifier at Southern Hill Plantation, where another two Epson Tour exemptions will be on the line. Immediately following is the NXXT Battle of the Sexes II, set for March 11–12, an event sure to captivate fans and challenge the traditional boundaries of the sport.
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or additional details, please visit NXXT Golf or contact NXXT Tour headquarters.
Stuart McKinnon
CEO, NXXT Golf & NXXT Golf Foundation
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