Cheyenne Woods earns LPGA card and Tiger Woods’ congratulations

Cheyenne Woods had a way better weekend than her uncle, Tiger. While the former world No. 1 was battling nausea and his short game in his first foray back to competitive golf since August, his 24-year-old niece was earning her LPGA Tour playing card for the 2015 season.

“I’m proud of my fight and my resilience and ability to not give up,” said Cheyenne Woods. “The biggest thing was I believed it would happen and fighting through that rough day to come out tied for 11th.”

Uncle Eldrick learned that the daughter of his half-brother had made it to the big leagues as he was wrapping things up at the Hero World Challenge. Though she appeared to be out of contention after following an opening-round 68 with a 79, Woods finished 67-71-70 in the final stage of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Sunday. Her score was good enough for a T11 and full tour status.

“That’s awesome,” said Tiger Woods after finishing in a tie for last place at Isleworth Country Club. “I knew she was right there, so I can’t wait to call her.”

He proceeded to tweet and phone in his kudos.

“He called to congratulate me and told me how proud he was and excited for me,” said the younger Woods. “That was pretty cool.”

Woods turned professional in 2012 and won the 2014 Australian Ladies Masters in February to earn a two-year exemption on the Ladies European Tour. Capturing her LPGA card was the cap to a busy 2014 season for Woods, who played on the Euro and Symetra Tours and in five LPGA events.

“This has always been my dream,” said Woods, who was competing in her third qualifying tourney, about achieving LPGA membership after she rebounded from a tie for 32nd at the start of the finale.

UCLA sophomore Alison Lee and Australian 18-year-old Minjee Lee shared medalist honors in the competition in which the top 20 contestants earned their LPGA cards.