2021 Marathon LPGA Classic (Jul 08 - 11)

[HMHS]

Seems like leaderboard is only updated every 2 holes today? 

[Argonne69]

I made it back to Chicago in one piece. I've uploaded the remaining photos to the Dropbox album.

 

Fun two days. Major fanboi experience. I generally follow one group in the morning and afternoon, so I don't get to see as many players. With this weeks strategy I got to see a ton of players, albeit for just a few holes or shots. You might get unlucky and catch them for a few bad holes/shots, and then they catch fire later. As irritating as it is to watch golf on TV at times, you do get a better sense of what's going on with the leaderboard. 

 

The quality of their ballstriking is superb. Sure, there's an errant shot now and again, but for the most part it's like watching them on the range hitting missile after missile. This is the case for the top players as well as those missing the cut. With the cut near or at par, one or two minor mistakes can be costly. Putting is also superb. Most missed putts are within inches of going in, and rarely come up way short or way long. It really is a game of inches. Bunker play was amazing for the most part. Celine left one in the sand, but otherwise I saw greater than 50% sand saves.

 

We focus a lot of attention on the top ranked players, but spending a day at the course allows one to see the journeywomen and young up and comers. Golf as a job is a real grind. I arrived at the course at approximately 6:30 am, and the players going off early are already out on the range. If they played the previous afternoon, they likely didn't get to bed before 10 pm. Between the travel, long days, and constant threat of missing the cut and losing one's card, it's certainly not all glamour.

 

[18majors]

 

Yealimi Noh can't pick a better partner than A Lim Kim for next week!

 

A Lim shot +6, the worst round of the day, to drop from #22 to #73.  That means things will only go up from here, including next week. 

 

Edited July 16, 2021 by 18majors

[HMHS]

5 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

I made it back to Chicago in one piece. I've uploaded the remaining photos to the Dropbox album.

 

Fun two days. Major fanboi experience. I generally follow one group in the morning and afternoon, so I don't get to see as many players. With this weeks strategy I got to see a ton of players, albeit for just a few holes or shots. You might get unlucky and catch them for a few bad holes/shots, and then they catch fire later. As irritating as it is to watch golf on TV at times, you do get a better sense of what's going on with the leaderboard. 

 

The quality of their ballstriking is superb. Sure, there's an errant shot now and again, but for the most part it's like watching them on the range hitting missile after missile. This is the case for the top players as well as those missing the cut. With the cut near or at par, one or two minor mistakes can be costly. Putting is also superb. Most missed putts are within inches of going in, and rarely come up way short or way long. It really is a game of inches. Bunker play was amazing for the most part. Celine left one in the sand, but otherwise I saw greater than 50% sand saves.

 

We focus a lot of attention on the top ranked players, but spending a day at the course allows one to see the journeywomen and young up and comers. Golf as a job is a real grind. I arrived at the course at approximately 6:30 am, and the players going off early are already out on the range. If they played the previous afternoon, they likely didn't get to bed before 10 pm. Between the travel, long days, and constant threat of missing the cut and losing one's card, it's certainly not all glamour.

 

Yes, seeing and hearing this first (or second hand)... there are good days and bad days, good years and not so good years... But they all plod on, waiting for that breakthrough...  It's what separates the cream of the crop from the rest actually (eg the JYK's, Inbee's vs the Andrea Lees, Biancas, and Kelly Tans)

[18majors]

41 minutes ago, Supermilo said:

  It's what separates the cream of the crop from the rest actually (eg the JYK's, Inbee's vs the Andrea Lees, Biancas, and Kelly Tans)

 

 

This is such a profound observation!  Indeed, for every superstar like Inbee, there're one hundred journeywomen. 

 

I started to follow LPGA closely in 2016 when In Gee Chun joined the tour.  It's the year In Gee won the Vare Trophy but only won one tournament.  I remember the disappointments when she finished second.  But things quickly turned for the worse.   By 2019,  she went through the whole year with only two Top-10 and her best finish was T4.

 

And the class of 2019 Q-School is something else.  Yuka Saso, who failed to advance to Q-Series has already won a Major and is in contention at almost every tournament.  Matilda Castren and Esther Henseleit, who finished way back at Q-Series, have started to shine.  But others, including Bianca Pagdanganan, Andrea Lee, Muni Her and Yealimi Noh continue to struggle.  It looks like Yuka, Matilda and Esther maybe the stars of that class, but one can never be sure.

 

 

Edited July 10, 2021 by 18majors

[HMHS]

2 minutes ago, 18majors said:

 

 

This is such a profound observation!  Indeed, for every superstar like Inbee, there're one hundred journeywomen. 

 

I started to follow LPGA closely in 2016 when In Gee Chun joined the tour.  It's the year In Gee won the Vare Trophy but only won one tournament.  I remember the disappointments when she finished second.  But things quickly turned for the worse.   By 2019,  she went through the whole year with only two Top-10 and her best finish was T4.

 

And the class of 2019 Q-School was something else.  Yuka Saso, who failed to advance to Q-Series has already won a Major and is in contention at almost every tournament.  Matilda Castren and Esther Henseleit, who finished way back at Q-Series, have started to shine.  But others, including Bianca Pagdanganan, Andrea Lee, Muni Her and Yealimi Noh continue to struggle.

 

It looks like Yuka, Matilda and Esther maybe the stars of that class, but one can never be sure.

 

 

That's why we watch this game ☺︎  

 

Personally, didn't expect Yuka to win this soon - though she had the tools, we've even discussed how she's ahead of Bianca in her all around game a couple of years back.  It all depends on the breaks that you encounter and how quickly you capitalize -- Matilda, Yuka and even A Lim Kim were cases in point.  However, ALK seems to have regressed.  (Even recall you mentioning maybe she'd be better of not to take LPGA status then).  Yuka has always aspired to play in the LPGA, so it was a no brainer she'd accept.   Matilda is a late bloomer, and I still believe Bianca will be one too (just not too late ok? There's only enough Qschool attempts one should take, it's not fun)

 

So, yes, too early to write the book already for the class of 2019 Q-Schoolers... I still believe there's still surprises that will spring up from that class -- just dunno who - I certainly wanna see how Jaravee/Wann, Atthiya/Jeen, etc eventually progress too in the future.  Albane had a rough year last yr, but has turned around this year, for example... just too unpredictable, that's golf! ☺︎

 

[18majors]

 

Tee times have moved up on Sunday, so is NBC Golf Channel's live streaming schedule.

 

Live streaming will start at 11:00 AM EDT, not 1:00 PM.

 

 

[Argonne69]

This one appears to be all but done. Nasa would really have to implode to hand over the trophy. It'll be interesting to see if Elizabeth, Mina, and Esther can hold their own and post their best career finish.

 

[HMHS]

49 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

This one appears to be all but done. Nasa would really have to implode to hand over the trophy. It'll be interesting to see if Elizabeth, Mina, and Esther can hold their own and post their best career finish.

 

Im in the Olympic mood already: Nasa, 1/2Yuka, Hideki, Tsubasa... Even watching NHK right now Lol... 

[ChronicSlicer]

19 hours ago, KBong said:

Once SNaP (Stacy) retires....Kupcho will become the new Pouty Queen.

I see a lot of your girl Crusty in Kupcho and maybe a hint of Jon Rahm. She needs to simmer down and win events.

 

 

[ChronicSlicer]

5 hours ago, 18majors said:

 It looks like Yuka, Matilda and Esther maybe the stars of that class, but one can never be sure.

 

 

Ahh, now you get it. Don't count your chicks before they hatch.

[ChronicSlicer]

5 hours ago, Supermilo said:

That's why we watch this game ☺︎  

 

Personally, didn't expect Yuka to win this soon - though she had the tools, we've even discussed how she's ahead of Bianca in her all around game a couple of years back.  It all depends on the breaks that you encounter and how quickly you capitalize -- Matilda, Yuka and even A Lim Kim were cases in point.  However, ALK seems to have regressed.  (Even recall you mentioning maybe she'd be better of not to take LPGA status then).  Yuka has always aspired to play in the LPGA, so it was a no brainer she'd accept.   Matilda is a late bloomer, and I still believe Bianca will be one too (just not too late ok? There's only enough Qschool attempts one should take, it's not fun)

 

So, yes, too early to write the book already for the class of 2019 Q-Schoolers... I still believe there's still surprises that will spring up from that class -- just dunno who - I certainly wanna see how Jaravee/Wann, Atthiya/Jeen, etc eventually progress too in the future.  Albane had a rough year last yr, but has turned around this year, for example... just too unpredictable, that's golf! ☺︎

 

I give Atthaya credit for testing the waters on the LET. Good way to learn the system of touring life, without the extreme pressure to perform on the LPGA level. Clearly the competition on the LET is at or below her current level of play. It may not be glamorous, but the experience should set her apart when she decides to step it up a notch.

[ChronicSlicer]

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

This one appears to be all but done. Nasa would really have to implode to hand over the trophy. It'll be interesting to see if Elizabeth, Mina, and Esther can hold their own and post their best career finish.

 

Having been a fan of Esther's for a few years now, I would love to blow the forum up with posts of how great she is doing lately, but I'll let her do the talking and I'll sit back and enjoy it while it lasts.

[ChronicSlicer]

I'm also a big fan of Nuria Iturrioz, just sayin... 

[MagicClassic407]

6 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

I made it back to Chicago in one piece. I've uploaded the remaining photos to the Dropbox album.

 

Fun two days. Major fanboi experience. I generally follow one group in the morning and afternoon, so I don't get to see as many players. With this weeks strategy I got to see a ton of players, albeit for just a few holes or shots. You might get unlucky and catch them for a few bad holes/shots, and then they catch fire later. As irritating as it is to watch golf on TV at times, you do get a better sense of what's going on with the leaderboard. 

 

The quality of their ballstriking is superb. Sure, there's an errant shot now and again, but for the most part it's like watching them on the range hitting missile after missile. This is the case for the top players as well as those missing the cut. With the cut near or at par, one or two minor mistakes can be costly. Putting is also superb. Most missed putts are within inches of going in, and rarely come up way short or way long. It really is a game of inches. Bunker play was amazing for the most part. Celine left one in the sand, but otherwise I saw greater than 50% sand saves.

 

We focus a lot of attention on the top ranked players, but spending a day at the course allows one to see the journeywomen and young up and comers. Golf as a job is a real grind. I arrived at the course at approximately 6:30 am, and the players going off early are already out on the range. If they played the previous afternoon, they likely didn't get to bed before 10 pm. Between the travel, long days, and constant threat of missing the cut and losing one's card, it's certainly not all glamour.

 

As the scorer on Friday for Mina's group, I figured Esther Lee at +5 would be a pain to follow with errant tee shots, etc., ultimately to a missed cut.  THEN she goes on to impress and shoot 64. Great putter and short game. I'm now a fangal!! Her caddie won the caddie race, too! 

 

TOMORROW, my tee times have been moved up twice so far due to the tenuous weather forecast. My time is 8:00am, right now with Queen Bee so no complaints there but Mother Nature exerting herself is a pain. 

 

PS:  Watching streaming today was hilarious when the mike was on during breaks. Learned about Alison Lee's new HOT boyfriend from Kaye and few hilarious off color comments, too. 

[Argonne69]

1 hour ago, ChronicSlicer said:

I give Atthaya credit for testing the waters on the LET. Good way to learn the system of touring life, without the extreme pressure to perform on the LPGA level. Clearly the competition on the LET is at or below her current level of play. It may not be glamorous, but the experience should set her apart when she decides to step it up a notch.

 

It was interesting to hear Mina's comments about playing on the Cactus Tour last year. Some players just need to be reminded that they're good. I saw her at the Cactus Shootout where she lost in a playoff to Haley Moore. Mina seemed to have a solid game. 

 

[Rapidcat]

2 hours ago, ChronicSlicer said:

I see a lot of your girl Crusty in Kupcho and maybe a hint of Jon Rahm. She needs to simmer down and win events.

 

 

On the coverage they were comparing Kupcho's 'feistiness'* to Dottie Pepper.

 

Stupples said that she found Dottie 'more spicy'.

 

Karen did a funny🤣

 

*insert word that you find most appropriate

[Rapidcat]

Some observations....

 

Liz Szokol is fun to watch, going at the flag with her irons and a rapid player. Seems to be really having fun, too, great to see.

 

Esther H is a little more reserved in personality but her game is a storm of birdies and bogeys, it's like anything can happen, great fun for us watchers. Very good putter so birdies always possible. Golfers come and go what with form, swing changes and coping with tour pressures but that notwithstanding, you can see her having one hell of a successful career, also very young still.

 

Leona Maguire seems often to start her round slowly but she gets on a consecutive birdie roll - she birdied the last 3 in Rd3 and also 3 in a row and 4 in 5 on the back nine in Rd2. I guess it helps when you are an elite putter like she is, great technique, feel and reading.

[Argonne69]

I don't know if moving the tee times up is going to do any good. Looking at the radar, the first groups are out there now playing in the rain. There should be a short break, but the rain will return mid-morning. Perhaps they're trying to time it so that the final groups are finishing in dryer conditions. We'll see.

 

[HMHS]

14 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

I don't know if moving the tee times up is going to do any good. Looking at the radar, the first groups are out there now playing in the rain. There should be a short break, but the rain will return mid-morning. Perhaps they're trying to time it so that the final groups are finishing in dryer conditions. We'll see.

 

Was puzzled yesterday when I saw that they did move the tee times and then compared it with the weather forecast for today... I find nothing of logic in terms of explaining it -- maybe they thought they'd have more time to finish the event just in case it truly pours...  

[Argonne69]

Conditions must be iffy. The dew sweepers are struggling to break par on the opening holes. Yealimi is +4 after 6 holes. Ana is +3 after three holes. Over 30 players out on the course, and only 8 are in red figures.

 

[Argonne69]

I thought it was odd/interesting that Jerry was announcing the odd numbered holes on Thursday and Friday, instead of being on the course with the featured group. I don't remember Jerry ever not walking with the featured group. 

 

[postfold]

Looking at the radar it's going to be a rainy day all day in Toledo, I'm sure they moved times up just to try and get it in today in case there are any lightning delays.   Hoping that stuff doesn't spin around here and wash out my afternoon round.

[Argonne69]

Anybody have any luck finding the streaming link on the Golf Channel website? They move up the coverage, and there's no link available. FFS.

 

[HMHS]

17 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

Anybody have any luck finding the streaming link on the Golf Channel website? They move up the coverage, and there's no link available. FFS.

 

Play still suspended... though they might need to protect their cameras first - just like the Senior US Open where at least one camera (and tower) got destroyed by a big storm in Omaha yesterday...

[KBong]

20 hours ago, 18majors said:

 

Yealimi Noh can't pick a better partner than A Lim Kim for next week!

 

A Lim shot +6, the worst round of the day, to drop from #22 to #73.  That means things will only go up from here, including next week. 

 

I'm shocked....LOL...more FAWNING over Yealimi.

 

LMAO.....ALK after 3 rds is 2 over on the par 5's....she was never a dominator on the KLPGA.

There is a weather delay...but so far .....Noh has the highest score going in rd 4.....+6.

 

With some really weak pairings next week....the above 2 POSERS might still finish in the bottom 2/3's at the DOW.

 

[Cwebb]

3 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

I thought it was odd/interesting that Jerry was announcing the odd numbered holes on Thursday and Friday, instead of being on the course with the featured group. I don't remember Jerry ever not walking with the featured group. 

 

 

Tripp Isenhour was out there walking with the groups.  First time I'd heard him doing that.  Maybe they've made a change?  We'll see

[Argonne69]

4 minutes ago, Cwebb said:

 

Tripp Isenhour was out there walking with the groups.  First time I'd heard him doing that.  Maybe they've made a change?  We'll see

 

Tripp was with the groups on Thursday and Friday, but he covered the odd holes yesterday when Jerry went back to the final group. 

[Cwebb]

Well, the horn blew....and Su Oh back doored a top 15 !!

[ChronicSlicer]

Well, congrats to Nasa. I doubt she would have been caught regardless.