2018 Ricoh Women's British Open Aug 02-05

[Bingo1976]

Are they moving the LPGA to Korea next year? Seems there are no American women who will ever compete

 

A strange comment considering that an Englishwoman beat a Thai in Scotland this weekend.

 

I like the diversity of the LPGA - it's a much more global product than the PGA Tour and where I (used to) live in SE Asia, it's a very well supported sport.

[Seamus_McDuff]

Seven different countries in the top 10, 12 in the top 20. I like it.

[Divot License]

Having just spent the week in St. Annes watching the Ricoh and I can safely say it was the most enjoyable event my wife and I have visited to date.

 

Practice day especially was amazing as the crowds were so small and the players so accessible.

 

My wife is a pretty new golfer and was super excited to get to see the best ladies playing. We arrived on Wednesday morning to watch the practice day and hadn't been there more than 15 mins when we run into So Yeon Ryu and her caddy walking across a fairway to get to another part of the course to catch up a group to practice with.

 

I said hello and good luck and much to my surprise and happiness she stopped and started talking to us, just the 4 of us were there for about 10 mins chatting. My wife, who was start struck to begin with considering Ryu is one of her 3 favourite players soon came out of her shell and asked for a photo with Ryu. She was more than happy to oblige before going on her way. My wife had a real bounce in her step for the rest of the week until Saturday when on the 9th Tee Ryu spotted my wife on the tee box and waved at her. After that the conversation was very much Ryu this and Ryu that lol.

 

A few other things we enjoyed was Lydia Ko attempting ridiculous bunker shots and after 6 fails finally getting one out. Upon receiving an applause from the few of us watching she made a joke about impressing us and then came over for a quick chat.

 

We spotted Aria on Wednesday afternoon sitting on a been bag in the tented village watching the big screen, completely alone and looking like she didn't have a care in the world.

 

I think the funniest site was while having lunch Wednesday we noticed the line at the ice cream stand. In the middle of the line was Cheyenne Woods and her caddy (bag and all). No one bothered her, she bought her ice creams and then walked away to the first tee to play.

 

The whole event was a true pleasure to attend and we can't wait to do it again next year at Woburn, which is only and hour away instead of the 5 hours to Lytham and St Annes.

[MMB1500]

Congratulations to Georgia Hall. A fantastic win!

[Argonne69]

Are they moving the LPGA to Korea next year? Seems there are no American women who will ever compete

 

A strange comment considering that an Englishwoman beat a Thai in Scotland this weekend.

 

I like the diversity of the LPGA - it's a much more global product than the PGA Tour and where I (used to) live in SE Asia, it's a very well supported sport.

 

Umm, you mean in England? Scotland was last week.

[Argonne69]

I was disappointed that the winds were calm all week, as we missed a good chunk of the links experience. The bunkers tried to make up for it, and did an excellent job.

 

I gotta say I'm not looking forward to Woburn next year. It's a decent layout, but not a links course. The LPGA plays more than enough parkland layouts, and the mid-summer two week stretch in the U.K. should be links only.

[Garush34]

I was disappointed that the winds were calm all week, as we missed a good chunk of the links experience. The bunkers tried to make up for it, and did an excellent job.

 

I gotta say I'm not looking forward to Woburn next year. It's a decent layout, but not a links course. The LPGA plays more than enough parkland layouts, and the mid-summer two week stretch in the U.K. should be links only.

 

Agreed, they need to set up a rota similar to the Open. Doesn't need to be all the same courses but a selection of links courses would be good. There are plenty that could take on the amount of spectators they get for the womens open.

[Divot License]

I agree that Woburn isn't the best location, however it is a traditional stop for the Ricoh as it was held there for essentially the whole 90's.

 

There are innumerable links options for the LPGA to choose from in Great Britain, They can pick less prestigious courses that are more than enough of a challenge rather than interfere with the "rest period" of the big courses used for the Men's Open.

[tbowles411]

Well done to Georgia! To have the first win come in a major is pretty cool.

[duffer987]

I agree that Woburn isn't the best location, however it is a traditional stop for the Ricoh as it was held there for essentially the whole 90's.

 

There are innumerable links options for the LPGA to choose from in Great Britain, They can pick less prestigious courses that are more than enough of a challenge rather than interfere with the "rest period" of the big courses used for the Men's Open.

 

That's it. They went a decade+ between links courses back then. You saw with the Ladies Scottish (especially in contrast to the men's on the same course) and now the Ladies Open, they really need to in as big a population area as possible to drag out every last willing punter they can. Milton Keynes is an easy (OK not counting roadworks) get for a lot of people.

 

Always thought the women's event could look at going to courses that serve as Open Qualifiers. Deal, Holinwell, but I can see that maybe these clubs simply don't want the trouble.

Sunningdale (admittedly they were there a while back), Walton Heath, Porthcawl, if a place will host the Senior men, surely they can open the gates for the ladies as well.

[Seamus_McDuff]

I was disappointed that the winds were calm all week, as we missed a good chunk of the links experience. The bunkers tried to make up for it, and did an excellent job.

 

I gotta say I'm not looking forward to Woburn next year. It's a decent layout, but not a links course. The LPGA plays more than enough parkland layouts, and the mid-summer two week stretch in the U.K. should be links only.

 

I wonder if the likelihood that the Women’s British in 2019 will be week after Evian factored into the decision to play at Woburn. Going from Evian straight to a links course might not be something they want to do. Hopefully in 2020 there won’t be back-to-back majors.

[Divot License]

I was disappointed that the winds were calm all week, as we missed a good chunk of the links experience. The bunkers tried to make up for it, and did an excellent job.

 

I gotta say I'm not looking forward to Woburn next year. It's a decent layout, but not a links course. The LPGA plays more than enough parkland layouts, and the mid-summer two week stretch in the U.K. should be links only.

 

I wonder if the likelihood that the Women’s British in 2019 will be week after Evian factored into the decision to play at Woburn. Going from Evian straight to a links course might not be something they want to do. Hopefully in 2020 there won’t be back-to-back majors.

 

Hadn't looked at next years schedule yet, can't believe they are doing back to back majors. That's just absurd planning. I know the Solheim is over here also next year but that shouldn't effect the normal schedule.

[TerpFangolfer]

Wonder if it's basically going to develop into an "every other year" thing?

They are committed to Troon in 2020 - but nothing listed beyond that?

Could see them alternating Woburn (the traditional spot) with the links rota every other year - wouldn't be bad.

[Bingo1976]

Are they moving the LPGA to Korea next year? Seems there are no American women who will ever compete

 

A strange comment considering that an Englishwoman beat a Thai in Scotland this weekend.

 

I like the diversity of the LPGA - it's a much more global product than the PGA Tour and where I (used to) live in SE Asia, it's a very well supported sport.

 

Umm, you mean in England? Scotland was last week.

 

Yes, sorry, having a Senior moment!

 

[Seamus_McDuff]

I was disappointed that the winds were calm all week, as we missed a good chunk of the links experience. The bunkers tried to make up for it, and did an excellent job.

 

I gotta say I'm not looking forward to Woburn next year. It's a decent layout, but not a links course. The LPGA plays more than enough parkland layouts, and the mid-summer two week stretch in the U.K. should be links only.

 

I wonder if the likelihood that the Women’s British in 2019 will be week after Evian factored into the decision to play at Woburn. Going from Evian straight to a links course might not be something they want to do. Hopefully in 2020 there won’t be back-to-back majors.

 

Hadn't looked at next years schedule yet, can't believe they are doing back to back majors. That's just absurd planning. I know the Solheim is over here also next year but that shouldn't effect the normal schedule.

 

I would think the eventual goal is to go Evian —> Scottish —> British, but the 2019 schedule right now is Evian —> nothing —> Scottish. Most assume the British will fill that week but it’s not official yet.

 

Solheim is a month after the Scottish.

[Stooch]

I was disappointed that the winds were calm all week, as we missed a good chunk of the links experience. The bunkers tried to make up for it, and did an excellent job.

 

I gotta say I'm not looking forward to Woburn next year. It's a decent layout, but not a links course. The LPGA plays more than enough parkland layouts, and the mid-summer two week stretch in the U.K. should be links only.

 

I think it was just one of those years, none of the British Opens were particularly windy and played way easier. The biggest impact the wind had in any of these event was probably the last 2 days of the British Senior Open were things got a little blustery. But no worries next year will probably be 25 MPH sustained winds and sideways rain for 4 days lol

[MelloYello]

I have to admit, I was pulling for Pornanong and was sad to see her fall short. Her ball-striking was great all week and that's usually the measure of a British Open.

 

I can't help but feel Georgia Hall swiped this one, but Pornanong could've closed it out.

 

I'd just prefer to see ball-striking take the event over someone making a greater-than-average percentage of mid-length putts. There's a certain degree of luck in that, I think.

[duffer987]

I have to admit, I was pulling for Pornanong and was sad to see her fall short. Her ball-striking was great all week and that's usually the measure of a British Open.

 

I can't help but feel Georgia Hall swiped this one, but Pornanong could've closed it out.

 

I'd just prefer to see ball-striking take the event over someone making a greater-than-average percentage of mid-length putts. There's a certain degree of luck in that, I think.

No one in the final game, shooting -5 and ending on -17 'swiped' anything from anyone :)

[Ignatius Reilly]

I have to admit, I was pulling for Pornanong and was sad to see her fall short. Her ball-striking was great all week and that's usually the measure of a British Open.

 

I can't help but feel Georgia Hall swiped this one, but Pornanong could've closed it out.

 

I'd just prefer to see ball-striking take the event over someone making a greater-than-average percentage of mid-length putts. There's a certain degree of luck in that, I think.

 

When that luck continues over 4 straight days...... it's called skill.

 

It was a pretty great finish to a major, and I would have been (almost) equally happy if Porna had won it.

[Argonne69]

I have to admit, I was pulling for Pornanong and was sad to see her fall short. Her ball-striking was great all week and that's usually the measure of a British Open.

 

I can't help but feel Georgia Hall swiped this one, but Pornanong could've closed it out.

 

I'd just prefer to see ball-striking take the event over someone making a greater-than-average percentage of mid-length putts. There's a certain degree of luck in that, I think.

 

There's no doubt Georgia had the hot putter this week. She had 4 fewer putts than Pornanong, and averaged 1.5 fewer putts per round than her season average. Georgia's ballstriking was good, but not great. She hit only 67% of the fairways (vs. a season average of 73%), but managed 72% of the greens (vs. a season average of 68%). The lack of rough, or tall fescue, certainly made missing the fairways less penal than it could (if one stayed out of the bunkers).

 

The key to winning majors is to stay within sight of the leaders, and cash in if they stumble. Pornanong had a fantastic front nine yesterday, but couldn't separate herself from Georgia. She started to wobble on the back nine, and only managed one birdie before her double on the 17th. Georgia kept the heat on with 3 birdies on the back.

[MelloYello]

I have to admit, I was pulling for Pornanong and was sad to see her fall short. Her ball-striking was great all week and that's usually the measure of a British Open.

 

I can't help but feel Georgia Hall swiped this one, but Pornanong could've closed it out.

 

I'd just prefer to see ball-striking take the event over someone making a greater-than-average percentage of mid-length putts. There's a certain degree of luck in that, I think.

 

There's no doubt Georgia had the hot putter this week. She had 4 fewer putts than Pornanong, and averaged 1.5 fewer putts per round than her season average. Georgia's ballstriking was good, but not great. She hit only 67% of the fairways (vs. a season average of 73%), but managed 72% of the greens (vs. a season average of 68%). The lack of rough, or tall fescue, certainly made missing the fairways less penal than it could (if one stayed out of the bunkers).

 

The key to winning majors is to stay within sight of the leaders, and cash in if they stumble. Pornanong had a fantastic front nine yesterday, but couldn't separate herself from Georgia. She started to wobble on the back nine, and only managed one birdie before her double on the 17th. Georgia kept the heat on with 3 birdies on the back.

 

Yes, that's exactly what I was talking about.

 

Georgia played great, no doubt about it, but without draining a few extra on the greens she probably wouldn't have gotten it done.

 

This is kind of the thing that separates players though. This was Pornanong's tournament to lose and she did lose it. It was kind of like watching Gerina in one of her classic melt-downs. You're sad for the player but you're also kind of miffed at the same time.

 

I think Pornanong is the Thai version of Gerina. She's too good not to win but I'm not sure the grit is there. Clearly Georgia had no problem with grit. That was her game all week.

[MelloYello]

 

When that luck continues over 4 straight days...... it's called skill.

 

 

False.

 

Only when that luck continues throughout a career is it called skill.

 

Lots and lots and lots of tournaments have been won by players who sank a couple extra long putts, in fact it's probably the norm. That kind of thing is a huge boon over the course of a tournament where 1/2-stroke per round is the difference.

[Argonne69]

 

I think Pornanong is the Thai version of Gerina. She's too good not to win but I'm not sure the grit is there. Clearly Georgia had no problem with grit. That was her game all week.

 

I think Pornanong had a different type of grit yesterday. She had a few great up and downs on the back nine. The tournament could have easily gotten away from her, but she held it together. It was a steady calm as she drained those 3 to 5 footers for par. Of course, Georgia was making birdies at the same time.

[MelloYello]

Agreed.

 

It definitely could've gotten away from Pornanong. The fact it didn't made me think it was hers and of course that made the finale all the more disheartening.

[legitimategolf]

I have to admit, I was pulling for Pornanong and was sad to see her fall short. Her ball-striking was great all week and that's usually the measure of a British Open.

 

I can't help but feel Georgia Hall swiped this one, but Pornanong could've closed it out.

 

I'd just prefer to see ball-striking take the event over someone making a greater-than-average percentage of mid-length putts. There's a certain degree of luck in that, I think.

 

There's no doubt Georgia had the hot putter this week. She had 4 fewer putts than Pornanong, and averaged 1.5 fewer putts per round than her season average. Georgia's ballstriking was good, but not great. She hit only 67% of the fairways (vs. a season average of 73%), but managed 72% of the greens (vs. a season average of 68%). The lack of rough, or tall fescue, certainly made missing the fairways less penal than it could (if one stayed out of the bunkers).

 

The key to winning majors is to stay within sight of the leaders, and cash in if they stumble. Pornanong had a fantastic front nine yesterday, but couldn't separate herself from Georgia. She started to wobble on the back nine, and only managed one birdie before her double on the 17th. Georgia kept the heat on with 3 birdies on the back.

 

Yes, that's exactly what I was talking about.

 

Georgia played great, no doubt about it, but without draining a few extra on the greens she probably wouldn't have gotten it done.

 

This is kind of the thing that separates players though. This was Pornanong's tournament to lose and she did lose it. It was kind of like watching Gerina in one of her classic melt-downs. You're sad for the player but you're also kind of miffed at the same time.

 

I think Pornanong is the Thai version of Gerina. She's too good not to win but I'm not sure the grit is there. Clearly Georgia had no problem with grit. That was her game all week.

 

I was impressed with Pornanong's game after watching the last two rounds. One of the best players without a win. Appears to be a much better player than Thidapa Suwannapura who managed to get over the line a few weeks ago. Bad timing for PP; Georgia seemed to have a date with destiny.

[WestTex]

Having just spent the week in St. Annes watching the Ricoh and I can safely say it was the most enjoyable event my wife and I have visited to date.

 

Practice day especially was amazing as the crowds were so small and the players so accessible.

 

My wife is a pretty new golfer and was super excited to get to see the best ladies playing. We arrived on Wednesday morning to watch the practice day and hadn't been there more than 15 mins when we run into So Yeon Ryu and her caddy walking across a fairway to get to another part of the course to catch up a group to practice with.

 

I said hello and good luck and much to my surprise and happiness she stopped and started talking to us, just the 4 of us were there for about 10 mins chatting. My wife, who was start struck to begin with considering Ryu is one of her 3 favourite players soon came out of her shell and asked for a photo with Ryu. She was more than happy to oblige before going on her way. My wife had a real bounce in her step for the rest of the week until Saturday when on the 9th Tee Ryu spotted my wife on the tee box and waved at her. After that the conversation was very much Ryu this and Ryu that lol.

 

A few other things we enjoyed was Lydia Ko attempting ridiculous bunker shots and after 6 fails finally getting one out. Upon receiving an applause from the few of us watching she made a joke about impressing us and then came over for a quick chat.

 

We spotted Aria on Wednesday afternoon sitting on a been bag in the tented village watching the big screen, completely alone and looking like she didn't have a care in the world.

 

I think the funniest site was while having lunch Wednesday we noticed the line at the ice cream stand. In the middle of the line was Cheyenne Woods and her caddy (bag and all). No one bothered her, she bought her ice creams and then walked away to the first tee to play.

 

The whole event was a true pleasure to attend and we can't wait to do it again next year at Woburn, which is only and hour away instead of the 5 hours to Lytham and St Annes.

 

Thanks for this! A few of the main reasons I watch them vs the PGA; access and seemingly genuine appreciation of the fans. Yes, there are exceptions but for the most part they seem to recognize the importance of interaction and showing they care. So Yeon should easily be in everyone's top 10. Great to hear you both had such a good time, it looked great out there.

[Retsdon]

I don't really get to see much women's golf, but I really enjoyed watching that final round. One, the spectators were knowledgeable, polite, and not so numerous as to turn the event into a circus. Two, the game was played in a very nice spirit and atmosphere. And thirdly and most importantly, these girls play the course in a way that I can relate to. They don't drive the ball freakish distances; their clubbing is like a normal golfer's; but their short game and accuracy is superb. In other words they are examples of how we, as normal players, would aspire to play the game ourselves. And their game's not the worse for it. If McIlroy would have had Pornanong or Georgia Hall take over from 80 yards out and in for him at the Bridgestone, he'd have beaten Thomas easily.

 

It's inspired me to watch more ladies golf.

[MelloYello]

I don't really get to see much women's golf, but I really enjoyed watching that final round. One, the spectators were knowledgeable, polite, and not so numerous as to turn the event into a circus. Two, the game was played in a very nice spirit and atmosphere. And thirdly and most importantly, these girls play the course in a way that I can relate to. They don't drive the ball freakish distances; their clubbing is like a normal golfer's; but their short game and accuracy is superb. In other words they are examples of how we, as normal players, would aspire to play the game ourselves. And their game's not the worse for it. If McIlroy would have had Pornanong or Georgia Hall take over from 80 yards out and in for him at the Bridgestone, he'd have beaten Thomas easily.

 

It's inspired me to watch more ladies golf.

 

That's kind of interesting.

 

The more the men's side becomes about power, the less I want to watch it. You have 10-20 guys at the top of the PGA who are mostly bombers. Out of that group, at least 2 or 3 are going to be playing really well on a given week and it's very likely that one of them will win.

 

There's something unattractive about watching watching Rory, DJ, Brooks or JT bomb it 340 time after time. After that's become the norm you get numb to it and you go back to wanting to see good iron- and wedge-play.

 

It's impressive but I get sick of it. I admit that.

[dukeman]

How tall is Georgia Hall? I haven’t been able to find good stats

[duffer987]

^6'3"