Siyun Liu’s historic pursuit came to an abrupt end Thursday.
Liu, the Wake Forest senior who was in position to become the first female to earn status on a PGA Tour-sanctioned circuit, withdrew after the third round of PGA Tour China Q-School, citing arm pain.
Through three rounds Liu was at 13-over 226, which would have put her in a tie for 23rd. The top 15 finishers earned full cards for the 2020 season, while the top 45 and ties received conditional status.
“For preventative measures my dad and I decided it was best that I withdraw from this event to make sure that I don’t further irritate my arm and risk getting injured for the spring season,” Liu said in a text message Thursday. “It’s been bothering me (since my first round) but I really wanted to see how far I could go. I still played today, but my condition did not get any better, so that’s why I realized that I should quit, as much as I wanted to push through.”
Liu said that, after receiving treatment, she should be able to play Wake Forest’s spring schedule, which begins Feb. 9. She has been a key member of the fourth-ranked Demon Deacons, posting five top-13 finishes this fall.
“I’m very proud of how she represented herself, Wake Forest and China,” Wake Forest coach Kim Lewellen said. “She’s a competitor, and we look forward to having her for her senior spring.”