Gianna Clemente Turns Pro at Age 17, Headed to LPGA Final Qualifying Stage

A dozen years and more than 130 junior and amateur titles after first picking up a club, 17-year-old Gianna Clemente is officially turning professional. The Ohio native announced her decision on Instagram, writing that she’s “extremely thrilled” to begin her professional journey and thankful for “five amazing years of junior and amateur golf” that shaped her both as a player and a person.

Clemente will make her professional debut at the LPGA Final Qualifying Stage (Q-Series) in Mobile, Alabama, where the top 25 and ties will earn LPGA Tour cards for the 2026 season. She has been granted a waiver to compete before turning 18 — a fitting exception for a player whose résumé already stands out in amateur golf history.

“I Love the Grind”

“I just love every aspect of it. I love the grind, the prep before the tournament and I love the competition … I feel like I really thrive under pressure and under tension. It might seem a little stressful to some people, but to me, it’s really fun, and that’s where I’m really the happiest, even if I have a very stern look on my face.”

That mindset has defined her rise through the game — a combination of discipline, maturity, and joy under pressure that has set her apart since her earliest days in competition.

From Child Prodigy to Record-Breaking Amateur

Clemente began competing before age 6 and by 11 had already qualified for the U.S. Women’s Amateur, one of the youngest ever to do so. At 14, she made headlines as the youngest player to Monday-qualify for three consecutive LPGA Tour events, a feat few professionals can claim.

• Over 130 junior and amateur victories
• 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Champion (with Avery Zweig)
• Represented the U.S. at the Junior Solheim Cup (Spain) and Junior Ryder Cup (Italy)
• Named to the inaugural U.S. National Junior Team in 2024
• AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year in 2024
• Best LPGA finish to date: T-30 at the 2025 Honda LPGA Thailand

That Thailand result, along with a made cut at the 2025 Chevron Championship, showed she can already compete among professionals — and, according to her father Patrick Clemente, helped solidify her decision to turn pro early.

Forgoing College for the LPGA Dream

Last fall, Clemente visited Oregon, Arizona State, and Auburn, three powerhouse collegiate programs, but ultimately chose to forgo college golf to pursue her LPGA dream directly (per Golfweek).

“I’m honored to be able to compete for my LPGA Tour card. I would be happy to play on the Epson Tour next season. I think that would be good for me. Whatever happens, I’m just super grateful for the opportunity.”

Her plan reflects a growing trend among elite juniors who see early professional opportunities as the best developmental path — particularly when they’ve already proven they can contend against LPGA fields.

The LPGA Welcomes a Familiar Face

Clemente isn’t a stranger to professional events. She’s made multiple LPGA starts over the past three seasons, including two in 2025 alone, establishing herself as one of the youngest competitors to regularly appear on the circuit. The LPGA Tour acknowledged her transition with congratulations and optimism, calling her “a great example of a young player pushing herself to compete at the highest level.”

A Career Built on Composure and Consistency

Beyond the accolades, Clemente has built a reputation for maturity and poise — often appearing calm and calculated beyond her years. She credits her family, coach Jorge Parada, and home club Bonita Bay Club in Naples, Florida, for providing the foundation that allows her to thrive in pressure situations.

“I want to thank my family, for supporting my dreams, helping me through the highs and lows, and standing by my side through it all. I’d like to thank my sponsors, especially Titleist and FootJoy for their unwavering support and belief since day one. … I want to thank the AJGA and the USGA for five amazing years of junior and amateur golf.”

What Comes Next

When Clemente tees it up at the LPGA Q-Series Final Stage, December 4–8 at Magnolia Grove, she’ll be among the youngest players in the field — but also one of the most seasoned. Whether she earns her LPGA card or begins on the Epson Tour, her focus remains steady: to compete, improve, and keep loving the grind.

At 17, Gianna Clemente has already lived more golf moments than most players dream of. Now, the next chapter begins — as a professional.