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Charlene Swope Berning, a trailblazer in the LPGA and the first woman inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, has passed away at the age of 83. Berning, a three-time LPGA major champion, was instrumental in the growth and recognition of women’s golf. She was known for her exceptional skills and her passionate advocacy for the sport. Berning’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of golfers and sports enthusiasts.
Suwannapura Emerges Victorious in LPGA Playoff
Suwannapura triumphed in a thrilling playoff at the LPGA event on Sunday, securing victory with a remarkable eagle putt.
After regulation ended with four players tied at the top, Suwannapura soared ahead with an impressive shot on the par-5 18th hole. Her eagle birdie propelled her to the top of the leaderboard, leaving her rivals behind.
Suwannapura’s remarkable performance marks a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination. This victory serves as a testament to her hard work and unwavering dedication to the sport.
Atthaya Thitikul’s reign atop the LPGA Tour is under threat as Ashleigh Buhai produced a stellar performance to take the lead in the final round of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. Buhai, the major winner from South Africa, carded a bogey-free seven-under-par 64 at Pinnacle Country Club to move one shot clear of Thitikul and American Lexi Thompson heading into the final day. Buhai, ranked 20th in the world, has made seven birdies, including four in a row on the back nine, to surge ahead of the field. Thitikul, 19, shot a 67 and will be looking to maintain her position at the summit of the rankings when she tees off in the final group alongside Buhai.
Lydia Ko clinched her third LPGA title of the season Sunday, rolling in a 15-foot birdie putt on the final hole to capture the Mediheal Championship. The 25-year-old New Zealander carded a 4-under 68 in the final round to finish at 17-under 271, one stroke ahead of American Lilia Vu. Ko’s victory at The Saticoy Club in Somis, California, marked her 18th LPGA title overall, moving her within two of Cristie Kerr for 10th on the all-time list. It was also her first win since the Lotte Championship in April.
Hyo Joo Ko seized her second LPGA triumph of 2023 at the Kroger Queen City Championship. The South Korean golfer fired a final round of 7-under 65 to finish at 17-under, two strokes clear of Japan’s Ayaka Furue. Ko’s victory marks her ninth LPGA title, further solidifying her status as one of the top players in women’s golf. She also moved up to the No. 3 spot in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings.
Thitikul Extends Advantage over Ko at LPGA Thailand
Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul has extended her lead to two shots over New Zealand’s Lydia Ko in the Honda LPGA Thailand. Thitikul carded a four-under 68 on Saturday to move to 17 under par for the tournament, with Ko two behind after a two-under 70. American Danielle Kang is a further shot back in third at 14 under. Thitikul, who is seeking her second LPGA title, is in a strong position heading into Sunday’s final round.
In relentless fashion, Natthakritta Vongtaveelap led the Ohio State women’s golf team at the NCAA’s 72-hole championship in Scottsdale, Arizona this week. After four rounds, she tied for first in the individual standings while advancing to match play along with her squad. Needing to rally against Arizona State’s Ashley Menne on the 18th hole to win, Thitikul secured a 4-and-3 victory in the first round of match play. The reigning NCAA individual champion, Ingrid Lindblad of LSU, was defeated by South Carolina’s Ana Pelaez by a 4-and-2 score.
Ko, Korda trail Buhai by 2 after start of Queen City
Ashleigh Buhai shot a 5-under 67 on Thursday to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the LPGA’s Queen City Championship. The South African birdied four of her first six holes and added another birdie on the par-5 11th at Kenwood Country Club. Lydia Ko of New Zealand and Nelly Korda of the United States are tied for second after shooting 69s.
‘Triage mode’: LPGA commish addresses Solheim Cup shuttle fiasco
LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan has apologized for the transportation debacle at the Solheim Cup, saying the organization was in “triage mode” after losing dozens of drivers.
“We were in a triage mode to move bodies,” Marcoux Samaan said. “I mean, we lost like 50 drivers. We were trying to literally get bodies in cars.”
The transportation issues led to significant delays for players, media, and fans, with some waiting hours for shuttles. Marcoux Samaan said the organization is working to address the problems and prevent them from happening again.
Nelly Korda’s recent performance on the golf course has made history. Statistical analysts revealed that her seven and a half stroke gain in a single session is the highest they have ever recorded during their coverage of major golf events. This remarkable achievement highlights Korda’s exceptional skills and the extent of her dominance on the field.