This LPGA rookie, a two-time SEC champ, leads tour in driving distance

It's certainly early days, but LPGA rookie Julia Lopez Ramirez finds herself atop one of the tour's most head-turning statistical categories – driving distance.

The Spaniard's average of 287.25 is two yards ahead of Germany's Polly Mack. They're the only two players currently above the 280 mark.

Julia Lopez Ramirez of Spain plays a shot from the 4th tee during the first round of the Founders Cup presented by U.S. Virgin Islands 2025 at Bradenton Country Club on February 06, 2025 in Bradenton, Florida.

The LPGA only tracks driving distance on two holes per round. Because Lopez Ramirez missed the cut in her first two starts, that means she's had eight drives measured. For perspective, Auston Kim, ranked fourth with a 278.43 average, has 28 rounds measured.

Thailand's Natthakritta Vongtaveelap led the tour last season with a 290.61 average.

Lopez Ramirez, 22, left Mississippi State early to take advantage of a berth in the final stage of LPGA Q-School, where she tied for 10th to earn her card for the 2025 season.

A two-time SEC champion, Lopez Ramirez won eight titles for the Bulldogs and reached No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

The power player's next start will be the Ford Championship, March 27-30, in Chandler, Arizona.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: LPGA rookie and two-time SEC champ leads tour in driving distance

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