On November 20, 2024, the LPGA announced the launch of the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway (LEAP) program, designed to create a new route for top female amateur golfers to join the LPGA starting in 2025.

LEAP draws inspiration from the PGA Tour University's Accelerated program, allowing players to earn exempt LPGA status by accumulating 20 points through various achievements.

Currently, Lottie Woad, a junior at Florida State and the world No. 1 amateur, leads the points race with 16 points, followed closely by Anna Davis and Jasmine Koo.

The exclusivity of the LEAP program is underscored by the fact that in the past 12 years, only three players—Lydia Ko, Leona Maguire, and Rose Zhang—would have qualified under the 20-point requirement.

Points can be earned through several categories, including the World Amateur Golf Ranking, LPGA tournament participation, and major amateur championships, with specific awards such as 3 points for a WAGR No. 1 ranking and 4 points for winning the McCormack Medal.

Amateurs who reach the 20-point threshold before July 1 have multiple membership options, including immediate LPGA membership or deferring it, while those who achieve it after July 1 have more limited choices.

Concerns have been raised among college coaches that LEAP may draw top talents away from NCAA golf, although some point-earning opportunities are still restricted to college players.

LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan highlighted that LEAP allows elite players to bypass the Q-Series and directly enter the LPGA, although this is expected to be a rare occurrence.

Samaan also emphasized that the program aims to enhance global access to the LPGA Tour for elite amateurs from diverse backgrounds.

The introduction of LEAP comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the need for incentives to keep players in college golf programs for the duration of their eligibility.

To qualify for LEAP, female amateurs must accumulate at least 20 points over the current and previous three calendar years while fulfilling all LPGA membership requirements.

In contrast to the PGA program, LEAP is open to all amateur players, regardless of their college status, with points being accrued from January 1, 2022, onward.