2021 Honda LPGA Thailand (May 06 - 09)

[Stooch]

17 minutes ago, Shilgy said:

I’m not believing the “really bad” part but perhaps you’re right. IMO the ladies depth is like the men’s tour in 1975 or so. About 3 shots difference in scoring average from 1-100.  But I see the women as getting deeper all the time. Biggest issue might be playing time. With fewer total events the top players play a larger percentage of the events leaving fewer opportunities for those below. For example Bianca P has only played two events so far. 

Yeah, I remember there used to be events where very few top pros would show up give the young players and established vets the chance to get the wins.   Sorta like the events on the PGA after a Major, giving the less established a chance at victory.  I think the LPGA doesn't have the solid sponsorship of the PGA as has the last few season put focus on having at least some of the top players playing and that makes it it tougher to breakout so to speak by the lesser established.  Ironically, this event was actually that one that allowed for that break through win or in Ariya's case allowed to rediscover something.  It's hard to know what you don't know but do you think 22 under would have got it done if all the big names absent this week were here?

[Golf Dino]

1 hour ago, Argonne69 said:

 

No doubt. However, didn't the tour announce a year or so ago that they'd be adding ShotLink, or some similar tech? I'm wondering if the pandemic blew those plans out of the water. 

 

 

There was talk about the LPGA doing something with Arcoss golf for shot data.  Not as fancy as Shotlink, but better than the current system.  

[Seamus_McDuff]

3 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

No doubt. However, didn't the tour announce a year or so ago that they'd be adding ShotLink, or some similar tech? I'm wondering if the pandemic blew those plans out of the water. 

 

https://www.sporttechie.com/lpga-commissioner-mike-whan-shot-tracking-technology-betting-shotlink/

[JungleJimbo]

7 hours ago, KBong said:

So are you telling me we can see Yani and Namdalla returning to form.🤣

“Namdalla ”? I had to Google this! Initially I wondered if this was because of Park Sung Hyun’s resemblance(?) to a South Korean pop star whose Twitter account =also “Namdalla”

 

..https://www.lpga.com/news/2019/2019-remarkable-effect-of-the-namdalla-fan-club-sung-hyun-park

 

[JungleJimbo]

3 hours ago, Stooch said:

Ironically, this event was actually that one that allowed for that break through win or in Ariya's case allowed to rediscover something.  It's hard to know what you don't know but do you think 22 under would have got it done if all the big names absent this week were here?

IMHO.. the Thai gals had an advantage at the Honda LPGA this week, given their familiarity with Siam Country Club layout ... there was a recent article w.r.t. the Thai national golf team playing some competitions/ training here?

 

..p/s: Found the article... 

“Playing alongside Thitikul feels deeply familiar for Tavatanakit given how often they played together on the Thai national team, especially at Siam Country Club.”

 

Edited May 10, 2021 by JungleJimbo

[grm24]

23 hours ago, grm24 said:

Lets go Ariya. It's time to win again.

Congrats to Ariya. What a great final round.

[Shilgy]

4 hours ago, Stooch said:

Yeah, I remember there used to be events where very few top pros would show up give the young players and established vets the chance to get the wins.   Sorta like the events on the PGA after a Major, giving the less established a chance at victory.  I think the LPGA doesn't have the solid sponsorship of the PGA as has the last few season put focus on having at least some of the top players playing and that makes it it tougher to breakout so to speak by the lesser established.  Ironically, this event was actually that one that allowed for that break through win or in Ariya's case allowed to rediscover something.  It's hard to know what you don't know but do you think 22 under would have got it done if all the big names absent this week were here?

Yes, I think -22 would have still been the winner.  Just like I think the men’s tour scores are not lower , in general, when the big names play.  I have always felt the big guys are much more consistent week to week giving themselves many more chances to win….either by their play or having someone else falter.   For example a Furyk had more extremely low scores than did Tiger. 
But Tiger brought it each and every week.

[KBong]

3 hours ago, JungleJimbo said:

“Namdalla ”? I had to Google this! Initially I wondered if this was because of Park Sung Hyun’s resemblance(?) to a South Korean pop star whose Twitter account =also “Namdalla”

 

..https://www.lpga.com/news/2019/2019-remarkable-effect-of-the-namdalla-fan-club-sung-hyun-park

 

And the women in the LPGA article are just a few of the "Attack Girls"....Namdalla's fangirls...part of her fan club.

A famous saying from Namdalla is

"Shut up and Attack"...her playing style.

[AWinfortheAges]

On 5/9/2021 at 2:32 PM, Stooch said:

Perception and reality and perception is what's usually stronger, the look on her face when it happened was really telling.  You are in all likelihood 100% correct about cheering for Ariya but that doesn't mean it didn't hurt Atthaya hearing people cheering her miss.  Again things like this can be internal motivation, kinda like "OK, I see I'm on the bottom of the Thai totem pole in term of perceived importance, now watch what i do and we'll talk again next year" 🙂

 

If she needs to make up slights like Michael Jordan is said to have or like Shaquille O'neal claiming David Robinson didn't give him an autograph, that's perfectly fine with me. Go on out and lead a Thai team to a victory at the International Crown next year. Should Ariya and Patty not succeed this year,  bring home a gold medal in 3 years. 

[ChronicSlicer]

16 hours ago, KBong said:

And the women in the LPGA article are just a few of the "Attack Girls"....Namdalla's fangirls...part of her fan club.

A famous saying from Namdalla is

"Shut up and Attack"...her playing style.

Is it possible the "Attack Girls" played a role in her less than stellar play. The pressure to perform at a constant high level, it's gotta be tough to have such a fan base and not let them down.

[preiter20]

On 5/9/2021 at 1:55 PM, Supermilo said:

I'd like trackman or whatever device to track bodily functions of leaders with a one/two stroke lead in the last 2 holes of an excruciating close golf tournament ... and see if we can get some data to know how to bet on it prior to them reaching hole #17... 😁   sort of like a heart rate monitor but with all the bells and whistles and shown on live TV ☺︎

Rory was wearing a Whoop monitor/band at the Fargo and NBC would show his heart rate from time to time.  Nelly and Jessica are sponsored by Whoop.  It would be interesting to see their heart rate on the back nine when they are in contention.  https://www.whoop.com

[KBong]

4 hours ago, ChronicSlicer said:

Is it possible the "Attack Girls" played a role in her less than stellar play. The pressure to perform at a constant high level, it's gotta be tough to have such a fan base and not let them down.

Possibly.

Rory did say he missed the fans and gave them some credit for his win at Quail Hollow.

Sadly, we are having an issue containing/controlling the variants in Canada...lots of lockdown and travel restrictions...there are no fans attending any sporting events here.

I could not believe 1000's of fans standing side by each..unmasked....in Charlotte.

 

Namalla keeps to herself and avoids the limelight.

I think she's is still injured....shoulder???....and few have any status of her playing condition.

 

Many other Korean LPGA pros also have fans clubs...though smaller...and many of the LPGA pros when back in S. Korea will rent a meeting room at a hotel to have some fun with some fan club members.

 

[Golf Dino]

55 minutes ago, preiter20 said:

Rory was wearing a Whoop monitor/band at the Fargo and NBC would show his heart rate from time to time.  Nelly and Jessica are sponsored by Whoop.  It would be interesting to see their heart rate on the back nine when they are in contention.  https://www.whoop.com

 

Last season, Whoop sponsored the entire LPGA.  So, perhaps not all of the players are wearing them.

[grm24]

3 hours ago, preiter20 said:

Rory was wearing a Whoop monitor/band at the Fargo and NBC would show his heart rate from time to time.  Nelly and Jessica are sponsored by Whoop.  It would be interesting to see their heart rate on the back nine when they are in contention.  https://www.whoop.com

WHOOP is now an official sponsor of the PGA Tour for 2021 after extensive use last year across multiple PGA Tours. Main tour, KF and Champions.

 

https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2020/06/24/whoop-giving-pga-tour-players-caddies-fitness-tracking-bracelets/

 

https://www.pgatour.com/company/2021/01/06/whoop-official-fitness-wearable-of-the-pga-tour-and-pga-tour-champions.html

[HMHS]

8 hours ago, KBong said:

Possibly.

Rory did say he missed the fans and gave them some credit for his win at Quail Hollow.

Sadly, we are having an issue containing/controlling the variants in Canada...lots of lockdown and travel restrictions...there are no fans attending any sporting events here.

I could not believe 1000's of fans standing side by each..unmasked....in Charlotte.

 

Namalla keeps to herself and avoids the limelight.

I think she's is still injured....shoulder???....and few have any status of her playing condition.

 

Many other Korean LPGA pros also have fans clubs...though smaller...and many of the LPGA pros when back in S. Korea will rent a meeting room at a hotel to have some fun with some fan club members.

 

Yes just like you, I already believed CP open for 2021 will not be held this year even as early as when they cancelled PGA Canada event a few months ago.   Heck even the blue Jays still aren't playing here, never mind the craptors 😂

[jt2gt]

Who was the second female announcer on this...voice seems familiar, but can't find anywhere?  Sounds younger, maybe swedish or euro accent.

[Stooch]

10 hours ago, Golf Dino said:

 

Last season, Whoop sponsored the entire LPGA.  So, perhaps not all of the players are wearing them.

I'm not sure about the Tech involved in WHOOP but maybe it's a comfort thing for the players.  I remember in 2016, Brooke got a sponsor for Google watch (think she still does) and she wore it for like 3-4 events, perhaps part of the deal and after those events I've never seen her wear it during play again.  The watch kinda has a big face over your wrist and if Brooke is like me and perhaps doesn't like the feel while playing.  Wearing a watch doesn't really change much just for me gives a weird feel when I bend my wrists, perhaps the same with some players and wearing WHOOP tech.

[Stooch]

2 hours ago, Supermilo said:

Yes just like you, I already believed CP open for 2021 will not be held this year even as early as when they cancelled PGA Canada event a few months ago.   Heck even the blue Jays still aren't playing here, never mind the craptors 😂

Watching this season it was better the Raptors played in Florida lol

[KBong]

51 minutes ago, jt2gt said:

Who was the second female announcer on this...voice seems familiar, but can't find anywhere?  Sounds younger, maybe swedish or euro accent.

Su Ann Heng.

Played college gold at Daytona State College and then the Symetra tour....maybe called the Duramed or Futures tour back then???

 

https://www.magzter.com/stories/Sports/golfWOMEN/Competitive-Compassionate-Talented

[jt2gt]

9 minutes ago, KBong said:

Su Ann Heng.

Played college gold at Daytona State College and then the Symetra tour....maybe called the Duramed or Futures tour back then???

 

https://www.magzter.com/stories/Sports/golfWOMEN/Competitive-Compassionate-Talented

Thanks...guess I was wrong on all fronts.  😁

[Argonne69]

1 hour ago, jt2gt said:

Thanks...guess I was wrong on all fronts.  😁

 

I still say Su Ann sounds like So Yeon Ryu, so maybe that's why the voice sounded familiar.

 

[JungleJimbo]

On 5/9/2021 at 4:03 PM, coops said:

Easiest job in the world?

 

Weather forecaster in Singapore.

 

 

I mean, seriously.

"Today, it will be humid.... and 31 degrees, or maybe 32."

@coops “Feels like” 42*C (100++*F) in Singapore! 🇸🇬 😰🌞🔥

 

 

[Golf Dino]

14 hours ago, Stooch said:

I'm not sure about the Tech involved in WHOOP but maybe it's a comfort thing for the players.  I remember in 2016, Brooke got a sponsor for Google watch (think she still does) and she wore it for like 3-4 events, perhaps part of the deal and after those events I've never seen her wear it during play again.  The watch kinda has a big face over your wrist and if Brooke is like me and perhaps doesn't like the feel while playing.  Wearing a watch doesn't really change much just for me gives a weird feel when I bend my wrists, perhaps the same with some players and wearing WHOOP tech.

 

I completely understand, as I always remove my watch prior to playing.  I cannot stand having something on my left wrist, particularly as it is my lead hand in the grip.   Though, I recall that there was a player (i cannot remember if it was PGA or LPGA) but they used their watch as part of the pre-shot routine ... to calm them and focus on some aspect of the shot or something ... I apologize, it was about 4-5 years ago ... it may very well have been about the staying in the moment and keeping your swing thoughts simple ... kind of like Ariya's big smile/grin before making her shot.

 

The WHOOP is apparently similar to a fitbit ... being a rubber bracelet ... perhaps someone on here has one or can add to the discussion 

[Golf Dino]

16 hours ago, Supermilo said:

Yes just like you, I already believed CP open for 2021 will not be held this year even as early as when they cancelled PGA Canada event a few months ago.   Heck even the blue Jays still aren't playing here, never mind the craptors 😂

 

Do not confuse Ontario's situation with what is happening in B.C. ... we could very well hold the CP Women's Open as scheduled.  Most of BC will be fully vaccinated by mid August/End of August ... and they are talking about restrictions for most things coming off in the summer. 

 

That means that the CP Women's Open could be held with limited spectators ... the LPGA is still in a bubble type of environment, though not as strictly as last season ... so lets just wait and see.   IF they cancel the event, then I suspect that they will do so in July ... they simply will not fill open spot as they players will be coming back from the UK (Women's Open Championship) and then getting ready for the Solheim Cup at Inverness should the event be cancelled.

 

[KBong]

14 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

I still say Su Ann sounds like So Yeon Ryu, so maybe that's why the voice sounded familiar.

 

Huh???,,,,,,really???

You drinking that Windy City Craft Beer before 11am?🤣