In this file photo, UTC's Emma de Groot practices putting at the UTC practice facility on Hickory Valley Road.

Former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga golfer Emma de Groot continues on her dream path of joining the LPGA Tour.

The reigning Southern Conference women's golfer of the year will take part in the second stage of LPGA Tour Qualifying School on Sept. 27-30 at the Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, Fla. Tthe top 70 and ties there advance to the final stage from which Tour cards will be granted to the top finishers -- an uncertain number at this point.

"There's definitely a lot of pressure with Q-school because it's either you perform this week or you wait until next year," said de Groot, who will compete as an amateur. "Now it's me playing for myself and chasing my own dreams. If I don't play well, it's my fault and I haven't let down anybody else."