Laura Shanahan Rowe and Bobbi Salmon were the last two finalists in the 11-player qualifier Thursday at the Pete Dye Course. They win their entry to the Senior LPGA Championship, which will start on Monday July 10. The 54-hole tournament will be broadcast daily on the Golf Channel. Shanahan Rowe returned a 76 card, while Salmon validated a 78 card.

Laura Shanahan Rowe and Bobbi Salmon - Photo: DR

"I had my head in the handlebars from start to finish", said Rowe, who won the 2008 LPGA T&CP National Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina. "This is a very exciting event for all the senior LPGA players."

Shanahan Rowe, meanwhile, was full of praise for the course.

" I love this place ", said the New Hampshire native. “It's so spectacular, it's probably the most amazing place I have ever seen. I love coming here and I was happy to come back. " 

No one worked harder and spent more time trying to qualify than Salmon. She was delighted to hear his score of 78.

"I worked hard last month to get here", said Salmon. “I just wanted to qualify, I was playing 54 holes a day in 120 degrees (Fahrenheit) weather in Palm Desert, California. I started bogey-birdie-bogey-birdie and I kept pushing. You could have knocked me down when I learned my qualification. I was so excited. " 

salmon, who has played in four US's Women's Open, never thought he would have the opportunity to compete in front of the television cameras again.

"When they started the tour (Legends Tour), all my friends would ask me if I will be on TV and I would say 'no, unless I find myself naked or on fire', said Salmon. “So it's really great news and nice to be recognized. There are great players here and I have the honor to play with them. " 

Shanahan Rowe and Salmon will join a field that includes four Hall-of-Famers and a combination of 310 LPGA wins between among 81 legends in the game.

To know more : www.lpga.com