2020 LPGA

[legitimatebeef]

Probably the biggest simulator golf match of our lifetimes. Lydia Ko and Pernilla Lindberg in Florida vs Inbee and So Yeon in Korea.

[sjduffers]

Interesting concept. Well done by everyone. I watched a few holes and the very end, when they congratulate each other. Very cool!

Now, where can I get one of these simulators and how much is it going to set me back? This was very realistic golf, complete with multiple lie types, fairway, green, rough and sand, and the ball reaction looked pretty believable too. I am impressed, actually.

[bkuehn1952]

Who won?

[legitimatebeef]

Interesting concept. Well done by everyone. I watched a few holes and the very end, when they congratulate each other. Very cool!

Now, where can I get one of these simulators and how much is it going to set me back? This was very realistic golf, complete with multiple lie types, fairway, green, rough and sand, and the ball reaction looked pretty believable too. I am impressed, actually.

The gameplay was a lot better than I expected. Especially the sand shots and the uneven lies. Regular old Korean driving ranges tend to be spiffier than ours so it's no surprise maybe they have state of the art-ier simulators. This whole thing was a very good commercial for Golfzon.

Who won?

The Florida camp won with a flukey approach on the last. They played Bethpage Black and Lindberg somehow flew one in the rough that rolled up and through and on to the green. So Yeon Ryu had a chance to tie and messed up horribly, leaving their short birdie putt short.

[sjduffers]

Who won?

Well, Lindberg and Ko won the foursome match (alternate shot) 1 UP, but Inbee Park and SY Ryu won the four ball (best ball) match 5&4... Yes, they played 2 rounds in a bit over 3 hours: amazing how quicker it is when you don't have to travel to the ball...

[srogers13]

Who won?

Well, Lindberg and Ko won the foursome match (alternate shot) 1 UP, but Inbee Park and SY Ryu won the four ball (best ball) match 5&4... Yes, they played 2 rounds in a bit over 3 hours: amazing how quicker it is when you don't have to search for your ball...

FYP

[sjduffers]

Who won?

Well, Lindberg and Ko won the foursome match (alternate shot) 1 UP, but Inbee Park and SY Ryu won the four ball (best ball) match 5&4... Yes, they played 2 rounds in a bit over 3 hours: amazing how quicker it is when you don't have to search for your ball...

FYP

Yes, that too. But wherever the ball was, the players were already there without to walk (or even ride) to it, i.e. in the same spot on the simulator. Just reload a fresh ball and voila!

[bkuehn1952]

They are back! May need to tune in some time this weekend.

[bkuehn1952]

An exciting finish in Toledo. Kang has a shortish putt to win, but somehow it stays out. Boutier has a short putt to tie ... but misses. Meanwhile, back at the WGC ...

[legitimatebeef]

@DougE Jasmine (nee Thidapa) Suwannapura is right there in contention at the AIG Woman's British Open.

[DougE]

Wow, twice in 3 years.

I don't play with her anymore. She left me when she hit the big time at the last British Open.

[legitimatebeef]

This is no fluke @DougE , Jasmine is fighting hard. Not only for herself, she is one of a few LPGA pros trying to save this tournament from being won by a middling Symetra Tour player who's only here because the field got so thinned out by the pandemic.

[DougE]

She did well. Unfortunately, not quite well enough. 2nd is more than respectable, though. I was watching on and off all morning. Frankly, enjoyed watching the girls more than I am watching the Northern Trust. Think I'll go play a little golf later if this tourney doesn't get me more excited soon.

[bkuehn1952]

Watched quite a bit of the "Drive On" tournament on Sunday. The ultimate winner, Ally McDonald, has a great swing, Very smooth. It was surprising that she had never won. Danielle Kang is like a little bulldog. She just won't quit. I would not want to have her chasing me in a tournament. Lastly, rookie Bianca Pagdanganan hits the crap out of the ball and tee to green looks to be the real deal.

Write those three names down.

[legitimatebeef]

I tuned in for the finish. Kang has been the best American LPGA player for a while. I find that funny, because she is also very in touch with her Korean roots. That is to say fans of American ladies golf are beset on all sides by their tormentors. Anyways Kang's hail mary attempt (trying to hole out a wedge to force a playoff) at the 72nd hole yesterday was one of the closest and best I have ever seen.

[bkuehn1952]

I may try to watch the tape re-play of Saturday and Sunday's play on the Golf Channel. Weather here in the Mitten is not cooperating and/or i have other duties to perform in lieu of golf.

[bkuehn1952]

A runaway for Sei Young Kim. Not exactly "must see TV."

On Saturday I watched all the leaders butcher the 8th hole. The threesome of leaders walked away a total of 4 over par. The par 4 was playing down wind and the green was really firm. The green was at least 60 yards deep with the flag in back. No front bunkers. Player after player would hit to the middle and watch their ball careen over the green by 30 yards. They need to play a bit in Scotland and learn how to run a ball up on a really firm green.

[legitimatebeef]

Sei Young Kim is quietly the best LPGA player of the last five years. Pfft, don't even take my word for it, what do I know; go look up the facts. I followed her group at the 2015 KPMGWPGAC where she finished in 2nd. She's 5'3" or 5'4" and hits it higher and longer than your average shlub male golfer; the world needs more such females if you ask me.

[legitimatebeef]

Because of your narrow minded patriarchal mindset you did not know this, but there is actually a major golf championship happening right now. The United States Woman's Open. Many people say this is the only woman's golf tournament that really matters. (I agree, all the other woman's golf "majors" have corporate sponsors and pro-am segments--such bullshit) This seems to be the view of the Korean players in particular, which might explain why they win it so often in this modern era. I think Se Ri Pak winning it in 1998 was a major moment in that country, one that transcended sports, and spilled over into culture, and even patriotism. I am fascinated to watch how they bring it for this event. When I attended in person in 2017, a Korean won, while a teenage Korean amateur very nearly snuck away with it. Let's not forget this happened at the POTUS's own golf course, with him actually there watching. That's really bringing it. By the way I know I rag on that guy a lot but on that day we were same, two guys appreciating a golf tournament.

[bkuehn1952]

I wonder when the last time was that the USGA used 2 courses (if ever?). Looks odd with the dormant Bermuda grass.

[legitimatebeef]

Weather delayed final round action on a Monday! In December! The beauty of this is not lost on me. Usually at this time of year we are all hankering for some sort of golf on tv action, you know it and I know it. Don't really care who wins--long as it's not Hinako Shibuno of Japan, last year's left field British Open winner. They call her the smiling Cinderella but it looks more like a smirk to me.

[GBOGEY]

I had time to watch yesterday and all I got was a replay from Saturday. Had fun hearing them complain about mud balls - welcome to my world the last month and the next 3. Makes me feel better about my current lousy play though.

[legitimatebeef]

I like that the champion wore a mask, if only because that is sure to emotionally trigger a lot of people. Bad enough that another Korean won our national championship again etc etc.

American woman golf is in as bad shape as I've ever seen. It feels like an endangered or threatened species, sitting on an existential knife edge. Usually I scoff at people who say woman's golf needs this or that, but at this point I believe they actually are need of some sort of savior, that is to say an inspirational figure who can drive up participation, or else. Or else American woman's golf will go the way of American men's tennis.

[legitimatebeef]

Whoa, there is even more live action this weekend as the LPGA wraps up its tour championship. I love watching world number one Jin Young Ko. She looks so beautiful while she is out there competing. It is something else. Like, remember when Paige Spiranac tried to play a pro tournament in Dubai? In an everyday sense, Paige is about as physically attractive as a young woman can be. But she did not look so hot out there in between the ropes, all stressed out and nervous and out of her element. In the competitive sports arena in general, it's hard to look one's best I imagine. But this Jin Young Ko, no matter the high pressure situation, whether extreme hot or cold weather, she is always the picture of complete composure, perfect posture, steely gaze that never, ever betrays emotion, the smooth swing and balanced finish every single time. She must be so intimidating to play with. Out on the street I might not look twice but while she is doing her golf thing, I cannot look away.