2018 Volunteers of America LPGA Texas Classic May 03-06

[Argonne69]

• Race to the CME Globe: 500 Points
  
• Format: 72 holes
  
• Purse: $1,300,000
  
• Location: Old American Golf Club, The Colony, TX
  
• Par: 71
  
• Yardage: 6,475
  
• History: This is the sixth year for the event. After high winds, blowing upwards of 40 mph, wreaked havoc on the players during the final round of the Volunteers of America Shootout presented by JTBC, 72 holes wasn’t enough for Cristie Kerr and Haru Nomura, who played six playoff holes before Nomura finally birdied the par-5 18th to capture the title.
  

Coverage:

• May 3: Golf Channel 10:30 am - 1:30 pm (EDT)
  
• May 4: Golf Channel 10:30 am - 1:30 pm (EDT)
  
• May 5: Golf Channel 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm (EDT)
  
• May 6: Golf Channel 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm (EDT)
  

[Argonne69]

This is a new location for the tournament. I played the course two years ago, and really enjoyed it. It had a very natural look and feel. It looks like the weather may cause some issues. They're predicting a severe afternoon t-storm on Thursday, showers and a t-storm on Friday, and more rain on Saturday. Sunday looks great, though.

 

I don't believe they've kept the dual-cut shootout format. It looks like a fairly weak field, with only 3 of the Rolex Top 10 teeing it up this week.

 

I'm going to go with Minjee as my pick this week. She played great last week, and had a 5T here last year. Angel Yin and Jessica should also be in the hunt.

[fredogolfer]

I plan on attending Saturday. I've always wanted to attend this event but was hesitant to drive into Dallas traffic at the previous location. Parking for the event before was like 6 miles from the course. This is on the northern outskirts so I feel a little better about attending and parking is at the course.Weather would play a part if I decide to go. From what I see it's only about a 20% chance of rain on Saturday but again, we'll see. The weather in this part of the country can change drastically in just a few hours.

 

Weaker field but it's to be expected with a smaller purse and 3 consecutive events out west and Kingsmill next week. There is supposed to be some sort of food festival on-site Saturday and Sunday. Very little information about it online. I tried emailing the tournament about a week ago and have not received a reply. Very little media coverage about the event in the Dallas-Morning News or other outlets. There was an article that stated Michelle Wie, So Yeon Ryu and ShanShan Feng were going to play but none of them are on the entry list.

 

I've seen most of the "big stars" in person except Sung Hyun Park, Sei Young Kim and a few others that will be here. I hope Lorie Kane, Laura Davies and Yani Tseng make the weekend.

[Warrick]

Plenty good enough field for me, as most of my favorites are playing.

 

In Gee, Sung Hyun, Brooke, Jin Young. Add in the 2 that were in a playoff a few days ago, and the Jutanugarn's , still a really good field.

s

[jmh1982]

Plenty good enough field for me, as most of my favorites are playing.

 

In Gee, Sung Hyun, Brooke, Jin Young. Add in the 2 that were in a playoff a few days ago, and the Jutanugarn's , still a really good field.

s

You had me at In Gee. ;)

[smalls]

Weak field? Their website lists Lydia Ko, Christie Kerr, few other big names. Am I missing something? Also, whats the parking supposed to be like? There's nothing about it on the website. I'm not sure how parking for a tournament will be at the course, since that course barely has enough parking for regular, no-tournament days.

[Seamus_McDuff]

I plan on attending Saturday. I've always wanted to attend this event but was hesitant to drive into Dallas traffic at the previous location. Parking for the event before was like 6 miles from the course. This is on the northern outskirts so I feel a little better about attending and parking is at the course.Weather would play a part if I decide to go. From what I see it's only about a 20% chance of rain on Saturday but again, we'll see. The weather in this part of the country can change drastically in just a few hours.

 

Weaker field but it's to be expected with a smaller purse and 3 consecutive events out west and Kingsmill next week. There is supposed to be some sort of food festival on-site Saturday and Sunday. Very little information about it online. I tried emailing the tournament about a week ago and have not received a reply. Very little media coverage about the event in the Dallas-Morning News or other outlets. There was an article that stated Michelle Wie, So Yeon Ryu and ShanShan Feng were going to play but none of them are on the entry list.

 

I've seen most of the "big stars" in person except Sung Hyun Park, Sei Young Kim and a few others that will be here. I hope Lorie Kane, Laura Davies and Yani Tseng make the weekend.

 

Kingsmill is in two weeks.

[Argonne69]

Weak field? Their website lists Lydia Ko, Christie Kerr, few other big names. Am I missing something? Also, whats the parking supposed to be like? There's nothing about it on the website. I'm not sure how parking for a tournament will be at the course, since that course barely has enough parking for regular, no-tournament days.

 

7 of the Rolex Top 10 are sitting this one out. However, 8 of the Rolex 11th through 20th players will be there.

 

They only mention off parking on the official website is a note that it costs $5. I have to assume the parking is near the course with free shuttles.

 

[Argonne69]

Yes, Kingsmill is in two weeks, and kicks off 9 consecutive weeks of tournaments.

 

[Olympus]

Plenty good enough field for me, as most of my favorites are playing.

 

In Gee, Sung Hyun, Brooke, Jin Young. Add in the 2 that were in a playoff a few days ago, and the Jutanugarn's , still a really good field.

s

 

Anyone see In Gee's new haircut?

[Argonne69]

Plenty good enough field for me, as most of my favorites are playing.

 

In Gee, Sung Hyun, Brooke, Jin Young. Add in the 2 that were in a playoff a few days ago, and the Jutanugarn's , still a really good field.

s

 

Anyone see In Gee's new haircut?

 

Yes. :swoon:

[Mellow]

I'm just as happy not to have the second cut. Always thought that must have felt like a kick in the shins not to make.

 

After the playoff last week, I'm even more for Minjee than usual! Totally cheering for her.

 

Glad In Gee is back, hopefully feeling good ... haircut? Nooo who would dare!

 

Gah do we have to wait for her to be on course to get a picture...

[Argonne69]

Glad In Gee is back, hopefully feeling good ... haircut? Nooo who would dare!

 

Gah do we have to wait for her to be on course to get a picture...

 

https://scontent-ort2-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/645cff11eae0d75bf8eec51ab2d0bcdb/5B8236C0/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p750x750/30841575_198300597447606_1431493886584291328_n.jpg

[ChronicSlicer]

Glad In Gee is back, hopefully feeling good ... haircut? Nooo who would dare!

 

Gah do we have to wait for her to be on course to get a picture...

 

https://scontent-ort...584291328_n.jpg

 

It works.

[Tailgater]

I went in previous years and that course was not special. I’m looking forward to going to the new place.

 

I hope Cheyenne Woods is playing and makes the cut. If so, I’ll only follow her.

[Mellow]

oh my...

 

Thank you for the link

[Raving Shanker]

Interested in this one for a number of reasons. Will we find a dominant player in 2018, or even a dominant group? What about all the under-achieving superstars - will they fire a shot? I have been mapping an imaginary team battle, USA vs. South Korea. The Americans got out of the blocks fine, but they seem to be stalling somewhat! Mind you, the Koreans are not exactly lighting it up either. Also, Lydia and Minjee - of course.

[Argonne69]

Interested in this one for a number of reasons. Will we find a dominant player in 2018, or even a dominant group? What about all the under-achieving superstars - will they fire a shot? I have been mapping an imaginary team battle, USA vs. South Korea. The Americans got out of the blocks fine, but they seem to be stalling somewhat! Mind you, the Koreans are not exactly lighting it up either. Also, Lydia and Minjee - of course.

 

Ariya and Moriya are #2 and #4 in CME points. Jessica has played well in recent weeks, with two top 10's in her last 3 starts. Michelle has faded I agree.

[quackhead]

Natalie FTW!! :bb:

 

 

I'll take a SJS win too :yes:

[North Texas]

The Monday qualifier was held at my home course and the wife and I went so here's a few thoughts and observations.

 

They played the course at about 6400 yards using a combination of our regular men's tees and senior tees with one hole played from the back tees.

 

The girl who won it was actually 5 under with 2 to play and finished 3 under. The most notable name was Kathleen Ekey who is married to Brittany Lang's brother and caddie, Luke. She shot even par with a bogey on the last hole. Overall, I was impressed with their ball-striking in the strong winds blowing about 20-30 mph. One of the girls we know that played told us afterward that they don't play anywhere with winds like we have in Texas. Where I saw that most of them lacked was the short game around the greens and putting.

 

Ended up in a playoff for the 2nd spot and Kennedy Pedigo got in after Haley Mills 3 putted. It was fun to see the excitement on Kennedy's face when she got the final spot but it was tough to see the disappointment and raw emotion from Haley. I didn't see the winner, Hannah Arnold, play any holes so I don't know how she hit it but Haley Mills can flat out move the ball including one drive of 325+ on a downwind, slightly downhill par 5. Except for pretty bad 3 putt on her 17th hole, she would have avoided a playoff. Haley actually played in this tournament when she was in high school and made the cut.

 

It was really fun to watch these girls trying to fulfill their dreams and talk to parents and hear their stories. And with no ropes you could get much closer to the action.

 

Results are here https://qs.lpga.com/...2018~result=PF~

[bookkilla]

I scored a couple free tickets and was planning to go but just saw the field. My friend was a member there so I've played it enough to know the course. Will be interesting to see how they attack it.

[North Texas]

Weather forecast not too good with rain on Thursday and Friday. And windy on Thursday. The good news is the wind is supposed to be pretty much nothing on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

[KBong]

I scored a couple free tickets and was planning to go but just saw the field. My friend was a member there so I've played it enough to know the course. Will be interesting to see how they attack it.

Go watch In Gee Chun play...you won't be disappointed.

[KBong]

The most notable name was Kathleen Ekey who is married to Brittany Lang's brother and caddie, Luke. She shot even par with a bogey on the last hole.

At a 2016 event

Weather forecast not too good with rain on Thursday and Friday. And windy on Thursday. The good news is the wind is supposed to be pretty much nothing on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

....I saw Kathleen walking with Pam Lang (mom) and I was wondering why Ekey was at a LPGA...considering she had really low LPGA status.

Later than evening I saw Luke and Ekey walking out of the clubhouse....I think they just had their 1st child.

Kathleen is one of the nicest LPGA pros....also not tough on the eyes neither. :taunt:

[Smpear]

I’ll be working Saturday and Sunday as a marshal and really looking forward to it. Parking is at the course in a large field. No shuttle needed that I am aware of.

[tonyj50]

The LPGA moves to the state of Texas this week for the playing of the Volunteers of America LPGA Texas Classic. Many may remember last year's exciting finish when Haru Nomura defeated Cristie Kerr in a playoff.

 

Here is my preview and a whole lot more:

 

http://www.tonyslpgareport.com/

[Raving Shanker]

Interested in this one for a number of reasons. Will we find a dominant player in 2018, or even a dominant group? What about all the under-achieving superstars - will they fire a shot? I have been mapping an imaginary team battle, USA vs. South Korea. The Americans got out of the blocks fine, but they seem to be stalling somewhat! Mind you, the Koreans are not exactly lighting it up either. Also, Lydia and Minjee - of course.

 

Ariya and Moriya are #2 and #4 in CME points. Jessica has played well in recent weeks, with two top 10's in her last 3 starts. Michelle has faded I agree.

 

Michelle and Danielle have faded. Cristy has barely fired a shot. Nelly is out in the boon docks somewhat. Stacy coming back from injury. Lexi seems really out of sorts at the moment. Brittany Lincicome, like last year, wins in the Bahamas and then disappears! The Americans are fading from contention. But you are right about the Jutanagarn sisters - they are big guns that are firing.

[tonyj50]

Interested in this one for a number of reasons. Will we find a dominant player in 2018, or even a dominant group? What about all the under-achieving superstars - will they fire a shot? I have been mapping an imaginary team battle, USA vs. South Korea. The Americans got out of the blocks fine, but they seem to be stalling somewhat! Mind you, the Koreans are not exactly lighting it up either. Also, Lydia and Minjee - of course.

 

Ariya and Moriya are #2 and #4 in CME points. Jessica has played well in recent weeks, with two top 10's in her last 3 starts. Michelle has faded I agree.

 

Michelle and Danielle have faded. Cristy has barely fired a shot. Nelly is out in the boon docks somewhat. Stacy coming back from injury. Lexi seems really out of sorts at the moment. Brittany Lincicome, like last year, wins in the Bahamas and then disappears! The Americans are fading from contention. But you are right about the Jutanagarn sisters - they are big guns that are firing.

 

The last four tournaments have been won by players who are not from South Korea or the USA. That is something that has not happened in quite awhile.

[pmcuk]

 

The last four tournaments have been won by players who are not from South Korea or the USA. That is something that has not happened in quite awhile.

 

 

Very healthy for the sport! Gives other countries role models to follow. India how also has a presence in the shape of Aditi Ashok.

[fredogolfer]

So Yeon Ryu lives/has lived in the Dallas area yet isn't playing here. She is still playing golf though as she's posted pictures playing this week at Trinity Forest, the new home of the PGA Tour's AT&T Byron Nelson.