When the early signing period for the Class of 2026 begins next Wednesday, the top-ranked golfer in the class will not be signing.

That’s because Gianna Clemente, the 17-year-old from Estero, Florida, has opted to turn professional and compete for an LPGA card at LPGA Final Qualifying next month.

Golf Channel’s Grant Boone reported last month that the LPGA had approved a waiver for Clemente, who doesn’t turn 18 until March 28. Clemente advanced through the second stage of the LPGA’s Q-School last month on the number.

“It’s been such a long time coming,” Clemente told Golf Channel on Wednesday’s Golf Today . “Obviously, I took my time making this decision. I took a couple college visits, but I’ve wanted to play professional golf my whole life. I’m thrilled to be able to go compete at Q

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