FORMER COACH SAYS SHE HAS DETERMINATION TO OVERCOME ADVERTSITY

    Stephanie Meadow:  "only" LPGA Tour conditional membership after playing 101 holes at the Final Qualifying School. Picture by courtesy of the Belfast Telegraph.

STEPHANIE MEADOW WILL BOUNCE 

BACK FROM DEVASTATING DEFEAT

FROM THE BELFAST TELEGRAPH
By JOHN PORTER
Stephanie  Meadow has been left devastated after an opponent's incredible luck the denied the Northern Ireland-born, US-based pro golfer an automatic coveted place in most of next season's  Ladies PGA Tour events in America, limiting her opportunities to win millions of  dollars in prizemoney.
But one of her former coaches says the rising star will bounce back and be more determined than ever to be the best.
Jordanstown golfer Meadow was locked in a marathon 11-hole tie-breaker after 90 holes' regulation play  the Final LPGA Qualifying School  qualifying tournament at Daytona Beach, Florida.
At stake was a full LPGA membership, allowing the 22-year-old to tee off in most of next year's tour events. 
However, success was not part of the script. Her  opponent, American Karlin Beck, holed a 75ft chip to  secure the prize and dash Stephanie's dreams and "relegate" her to LPGA Tour conditional status membership, which means she will gain entry to 
possibly 10 or 12 tournaments, depending on how many full LPGA Tour members enter the events. 
Choking back the tears,  an inconsolable Stephanie summed up her luck: "It sucks."She added: "I didn't play badly, I probably had the opportunities... but just didn't make anything of them.
"I'm still proud to be an LPGA Tour member. It's good but not what I wanted."
Billy  Millar - a member of Ballyclare Golf Club where Stephanie learned to play golf as a child and where she is an  honorary member - said the gifted young player will make a comeback. The  hypnotherapist helped Stephanie with mental preparation and focus  between the ages of 11 and 14 before she set off for the States.
Billy said the starlet was still destined for great success.
"Stephanie is the most strong-willed and determined person I know, she will bounce back, I have absolutely no doubt," he said.
"She will be fine."
Billy was once refused a bet by a bookmaker on Stephanie winning a major tournament by the age of 25. She finished third in this year's US Women's Open in her debut as a professional.
He added: "People think she came from nowhere until she arrived in America, but she has a sparkling CV.
"She has an incredible amateur record, fantastic academic achievements and is a talented pianist.
"The LPGA know the talent she is and they will look after her."
Stephanie  Meadow has been a rising star in golf, leading to favourable  comparisons with the current world number one and Holywood man Rory  McIlroy. 
She broke records as an amateur in Irish golf before her move  to America. Awarded a fully paid scholarship at the University of  Alabama, she turned professional this year. The Jordanstown girl earned  widespread acclaim after she tied for third at the US Open, her first  professional tournament. She also has a masters degree in accountancy  and is a talented pianist.