Joh wins Future's Tour qualifier, headed to LPGA

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WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) -- Former UCLA star Tiffany Joh won the Duramed Futures Tour's qualifying tournament Friday, closing with a 1-over 73 in windy conditions for a one-stroke victory over Canadian Danielle Mills.

The 22-year-old Joh, a two-time U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links champion, had a 12-under-348 total in the 90-hole event. Mills, also 22, finished with a 74 on the Lake Region Yacht and Country Club course. Ridgewood Lakes, Huntington Hills and The Golf Club at Bridgewater also were used during the first four rounds.

Exempt and non-exempt status will be determined following the LPGA Tour qualifying tournament in December. Players who have earned Category 11 LPGA Tour membership are not eligible to play the Futures Tour in 2010.

The wind made club selection difficult on the lakeside course.

"It was like being a bomb technician out there," said Joh, who also will play in the LPGA Tour qualifying tournament. "Sometimes it was like, 'Red wire or blue wire?' That's what it felt like picking a club today, but you just had to make a choice and commit to hitting that club. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn't."

Mills, from Pointe-Claire, Quebec, graduated from Elon University in North Carolina this year. She's a two-time Quebec Provincial Match-Play champion.

"I'm very happy with my week, and it's been a big surprise because I've never put together five solid rounds before, with four rounds under par," Mills said. "This week just confirmed that I'm ready to play out here. This is a great place to prepare for the big league."