Q-School Update

Libby Smith grabbed a share of the lead on Wednesday and has a one-shot margin through three rounds at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament.  Aree Song and amateur Jessica Korda are tied for second at -6, Jimin Jeong is fourth at -5 while Jin Young Pak and Belen Mozo are tied for fifth at -4.

Smith, a Category-20 player who finished 119^th on the 2010 money list, has eight shots to play with over the last two rounds to manage a Top 20 finish and Category-11 status for 2011.  She will be playing the Legends Course on Saturday and barring a collapse of major proportions, will make the 70-and-ties cut to play on the Champions Course Sunday.  Song, trying to come back from injuries which have plagued her over the last three-plus seasons, is trying to improve on her 120^th money list finish.  Korda is looking to turn pro with a bullet, solidifying her chances with a Friday 66.  In addition to those I've already listed, Reilley Rankin, Nicole Hage and Pernilla Lindberg are in good shape at -3 while Pornanong Phatlum and Angela Oh are at -2.

At the moment +1 is good enough for the Top 20 (FYI - any Sunday ties for this position will be settled by playoff holes) but the majority of the field is currently concerned with making the final round cut and setting up a run at either the Top 30 or 40.  Right now +9 makes the cut and Jessica Shepley, Becky Brewerton and Ashleigh Simon are on the happy side while Mallory Blackwelder, Meredith Duncan, Michelle Ellis and Lisa Strom inhabit the sad side.