{{ubiquityData.prevArticle.description}}
{{ubiquityData.nextArticle.description}}
The United States team captured the inaugural Women’s PGA Cup on Saturday, outpacing a team from Canada by four strokes, 671-675, at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas.
The 54-hole, stroke-play competition featured the United States, Canada, Australia, Sweden and Great Britain & Ireland in the first international event for women PGA professionals. The five teams competing against each other made for a unique format – the players went out in fivesomes so each group had one competitor from each squad.
The Americans were heavy favorites and were on a path to a runaway victory after opening a 10-stroke advantage through the first round. However, the Canadians applied continual pressure to challenge the U.S. lead.
With the United States holding a slim lead after starting slowly in the final round, everything came down to the last four holes. The Americans held on thanks to impressive performances by Brittany Kelly (2-over 218) and Alison Curdt (7-over 223).
“We all needed to stick to our game plan and forget the first two days,” Kelly said. “I had my moments. I always like to keep it interesting. I knew my teammates had my back. This was amazing to represent your country and play with the best players in the country. I think that this will grow and would love to see more countries compete.”
The U.S. team also included Ashley Grier, whose 75 on Saturday was one of the three scores that counted toward the total tally, along with 74s by Kelly and Curdt. The other two U.S. team members, Seul-Ki Park and Joanna Coe, had their scores count in prior rounds, meaning everyone contributed to the victory.
“Everybody counted this week, which was great to see,” said U.S. captain Suzy Whaley. “Every single player put up the numbers when they needed to do it.
“Coming down the stretch, these players fought so hard. They came out a little slow (Saturday), but hung in there. They did their jobs. Each one of them had to stay in the process and control only what they could control. They came out victorious, but today was a win for women’s golf.”
Great Britain & Ireland finished third at 698, followed by Australia (715) and Sweden (725). Scotland’s Heather MacRae, who was competing following a cancer bout earlier this year, shot 76-76-76 and was GB&I’s low scorer.
The Women’s PGA Cup will be played again in 2021 at a location to be determined.
RESULTS
Staff and Wire Reports