2018 Buick LPGA Shanghai Oct 18-21

78Staff · October 23, 2018

Finally got to watch my recording - had to stay away from Golfwrx for a bit lol. Since major media don't realize the LPGA exists, especially when the play overseas, it wasn't hard to avoid the outcome.

Have said it before, have been a DK fan since her Pepperdine days and her two US Ams. I recall when she left college it wasn't so much about golf as it was about just not liking the school routine - something I can relate to. She kinda floundered a bit for a couple years, but when she grabbed the LPGA kind out of nowhere I thought here we go, sky's the limit. But then she leveled off again not doing much remarkable after the SC. This year wasn't particularly stellar but the past couple weeks have been a whirlwind - Butch's influence we all suspect.

Although, it seems like DK has become a glacially slow player. I don't recall that in the past, but maybe I just wasn't tuned it to it, not sure. But she needs to work on that. Otherwise, great victory, great to get that one and done label gone, and hopefully more to come.

@Argonne69 I did notice the double birds last week, I think I commented on it in that thread, not sure - but it was definitely a "see I told you..." moment - hilarious. DK's just got a great personality it seems.

@AKL Kiwi - yeah I was especially critical of Wie in the IC thread, much preferring to see DK in her place, but someone did mention DK has played pretty bad most of the year. Still I would have rather seen MW step aside, especially now with the surgery news. Reminds me of when she WD'd from Annika's event (when in danger of shooting 88+ as a non-member, thus triggering a little known rule barring a non-member from playing again that year if she shoots 88 or higher) claiming a wrist injury. But Wie then showed up a day later at the next venue practicing on the range. To be fair, she was most likely "handled" by the LPGA into that WD, so the LPGA folks at the time are partially to blame, but still. Just poor judgement and lack of awareness of people around her.

ChronicSlicer · October 23, 2018

For me it's the swearing and the fingers, kind of crass :( But to each their own, that's gonna vary to person and place.

I missed the double birds, although maybe not appropriate for tv or kids, I find it ok. For me it shows a human side, it`s a non thought out response to how she felt in that exact moment. Not something I would want to see non stop after every shot, but here and there I`m fine with the cussing and such. Is there any video of the birds?

Argonne69 · October 23, 2018

Unfortunately I deleted the round with the double birds, so it'll likely go down as a myth. I'll see if I can find it online.

I was also a big fan of DK when she was an amateur, but it was tough being a fan for years as she struggled. I really thought her major win would be her breakout moment, but that too passed with little success to follow. Hopefully this win, and the coaching change, will kickstart her.

Argonne69 · October 23, 2018

Lol. Lydia as a meme? Who put sour melon in her container of goodies?

WestTex · October 23, 2018

Danielle is simply too talented to have only two wins at this point in her career, but the best appears to be ahead. Gawd, she is such a good interview. I really hope that when her playing days are behind her she joins the broadcast team. She's a riot.

She has a bubbly likable personality, easy on the eyes, has pretty good game. For me she`s a bright spot in American Womens golf, let`s hope she can continue into 2019 and beyond.

Danielle IMO might be the de facto best American women's golfer of right now. Also I don't know if bubbly is quite apt for Danielle, i feel like she would punch someone's arm for saying something like that.

I would argue she is the best right now, not even de facto.

Also I had no idea hugs were a policy. Sometimes it is great to see like when Lydia seemed genuinely very happy for In Gee the week prior; she lit up as much as In Gee after her last putt, was great to see. I say give the players the option to do whatever they want. Also Lydia was one of the ones dousing Danielle with champagne after, as much as is made of Lydia's "struggles," she sure has a great attitude on the course regardless.

At any rate, Ollie seems to be a great caddie fit for Danielle.

If you're ranking the best American golfer based on the last two weeks then sure give it to DK. But she missed the cut in 3 of 5 majors this year. J Korda has top 10s in 3 of 5 majors.

Absolutely agree, my apologies for not specifying any clearer I was referring to current form. I'm a little frustrated the Korda's at large have not been performing better overall. However I feel if DK can maintain this mental momentum she'll be a better golfer for sure. Better than the other Americans? No idea, but I'd like to see that. I'm only guessing of course, but she always mentions anxiety and letting things off course affect her. Much like Lexi, underperforming.

WestTex · October 23, 2018

For me it's the swearing and the fingers, kind of crass :( But to each their own, that's gonna vary to person and place.

I missed the double birds, although maybe not appropriate for tv or kids, I find it ok. For me it shows a human side, it`s a non thought out response to how she felt in that exact moment. Not something I would want to see non stop after every shot, but here and there I`m fine with the cussing and such. Is there any video of the birds?

I forget which site it's on, but there was a podcast interview of DK after her KPMG win. She dropped an F-bomb and immediately apologized, then the podcast guys said they cussed all the time on the cast and not to worry, which then lead to a litany of swearing from DK and how she always feels bad on tour when she swears and gets caught but that she can't help it - hence her relief on the podcast & them not caring. I was laughing hysterically because with golf, pretty much any outburst short of launching into a full-on tirade/meltdwon is acceptable in my book. This game sucks sometimes! Suppose that's why SHP and In Gee impress me so much.

Argonne69 · October 23, 2018

Danielle and Ollie during the 2nd round of the Hana Bank on the par 5 5th after Danielle barely cleared the bunkers on the left hand corner of the dogleg. Lol.

Golfer4Life · October 23, 2018

Thanks to Kang and her yips, I won’t be watching any LPGA tour events any time soon. Over 20 seconds for an 18 inch putt? That’s insane. Over 3 minutes on a 106 yd shot, even more insane. She may be funny, but is not fun to watch her.

ChronicSlicer · October 23, 2018

Danielle and Ollie during the 2nd round of the Hana Bank on the par 5 5th after Danielle barely cleared the bunkers on the left hand corner of the dogleg. Lol.

Thanks Args. Reminds me of something I would do to a buddy for doubting my shot. Gotta love human emotion.

ChronicSlicer · October 23, 2018

I forget which site it's on, but there was a podcast interview of DK after her KPMG win. She dropped an F-bomb and immediately apologized, then the podcast guys said they cussed all the time on the cast and not to worry, which then lead to a litany of swearing from DK and how she always feels bad on tour when she swears and gets caught but that she can't help it - hence her relief on the podcast & them not caring. I was laughing hysterically because with golf, pretty much any outburst short of launching into a full-on tirade/meltdwon is acceptable in my book. This game sucks sometimes! Suppose that's why SHP and In Gee impress me so much.

Here`s the podcast you mentioned..wow what an honest person. Huge props for keeping it real. https://www.barstoolsports.com/iowa/fore-play-podcast-greenbrier-week-with-lpga-major-champ-danielle-kang

GolfChannel · October 24, 2018

Happy to see DK get the win, she is one of the fun players to watch on the LPGA.

That said, holy s*** was that coverage by the Golf Channel horrendous. Most of the time we only saw 1 or 2 shots per hole of the leader coming down the stretch. It was almost like they used a random name generator to dictate their coverage per hole. I don't think I have ever seen anything that bad in terms of professional coverage.

fredogolfer · October 24, 2018

Talk about DK all you want. Her mom isn't bad on the eyes for an older lady.

I feel like Lydia has gone from being the smart, shy girl from high school who got a makeover. She maybe isn't doing as well academically(golf) but her social life has picked up a lot. Look at her instagram, she claims to be a sister or bestie of half the lpga tour.

Am I wrong that I think the ladies get along too well? I guess I am used to tennis where 15-20 years ago Hingis, the Williamses, Davenport, Kournikova, Capriati etc didn't necessarily all get along so well. Even more recently Sharapova and Serena had words play out in wider media outlets.

Not that I want to see fights and nasty gossip but the niceness seems fake at times. Not everyone gets along that well in an organization where you go to work everyday.