Julia Lopez Ramirez, the third-ranked amateur in the world, is turning professional

One of the best players in college golf has decided to take the next step in her career.

Julia Lopez Ramirez, the third-ranked player in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, is leaving Mississippi State and turning professional. She’s expected to tee it up next month in the Final Qualifying stage of LPGA Q-Series, which requires players to have professional status to compete. UCLA senior Zoe Campos, eighth in WAGR, also turned professional to play at Final Qualifying

Lopez Ramirez is the two-time reigning SEC individual champion and was one of 25 golfers on the Annika Award final fall watch list for her fall season.

Five amateurs advanced past the second stage of LPGA Qualifying, including 2024 NCAA individual champion Adela Cernousek, but the senior at Texas A&M is returning to school for the spring. Also advancing were Western Kentucky’s Catie Craig and Campos’ Bruin teammate Caroline Canales.

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The amateur deadline to turn professional and compete in Final Qualifying is Friday at 5 p.m. ET. Those who don’t turn professional will receive Epson Tour status.

Final Qualifying is set for Dec. 5-9 at Magnolia Grove Golf Club in Mobile, Alabama.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Julia Lopez Ramirez, the third-ranked amateur in the world, is turning professional