It wasn’t all that long ago that Gabriella Then, a former USGA champion, quit golf and took a job in marketing and sales at Le Mieux skin care. That decision came after she missed out on advanging to Stage II of LPGA Qualifying School by a single stroke in 2019.
But Then couldn’t stay away, and in 2021 she won three times in four months on the Cactus and Women’s All Pro Tours and then won Ladies European Tour Q-School.
On Sunday, the 26-year-old Then added another first when she broke through on the Epson Tour, winning the Garden City Charity Classic in Garden City, Kansas, with a 5-under 67 in the final round. A 27-foot eagle putt on the par-5 16th hole ultimately wrapped up the two-stroke victory for Then over 17-year-old Alexa Pano.
“I can’t believe it happened. After doing this since 2017, I’ve been through so much and never imagined I would win an Epson Tour event one day,” said Then. “The feeling is amazing.”
Then finished at 12-under for the tournament, becoming the third straight first-time winner of the 2022 Epson Tour season.
Birdies on Nos. 12, 13 and 16 from Pano cut Then’s lead to one. That is, until Then drained that eagle bomb.
“I’m pretty satisfied with how I played. Wish I could have got it done, but it’s OK,” said Pano. “I felt comfortable with the course and had a really good feeling waking up this morning. This is good momentum. If I have a lot more events like this, it’ll be a good season.”
Pano made her pro debut last week on the Epson Tour and shot 79-73-73. She finished tied for 10th earlier this year on the tour as an amateur.
The top 10 players on the money list at season’s end earn LPGA cards for 2022. With her victory, Then moved up to No. 7 on the list. Pano sits at 15th.
