Sometimes the LPGA Tour simply cannot get out of its own way.
What a hair-brained idea: Let’s have a Match Play tournament in Las Vegas in late May when the heat index is hitting 100 — players might have to go 36 holes a day the final two days.
And if that’s not bad enough, let’s hold it the week BEFORE the Women’s U.S. Open!
Talk about piss-poor planning!
When Shanshan Feng (call me Jenny) finished her Saturday match, she had gone 41 holes. She won and had to gear up again to play Sunday morning then again Sunday afternoon — win or lose. You see, there’s that awful “consolation” match to determine who finishes third and fourth. So if we take Tiger Woods’ word — “Second place sucks!” Then third or fourth place must really suck!
So can you blame Shanshan, after losing her semifinal match, decided she’d had enough of the heat and torture and conceded the match to Ariya Jutanugarn. Basically, the winner would have earned a tad more than $21,000 than the fourth place finisher.
Good on you, Shanshan!
As for the LPGA Tour — into the Dog House for whoever slated this event before the U.S. Open. And to make it authentic, we’ll turn up the heat index in the Dog House to 100 — but don’t worry, all the dogs will be out in the shade licking blocks of ice!!
3 Comments
baxter cepeda
The scheduling is not ideal for the top finishers. But in a way it is good most of the US Open field since most got the weekend off.
I’m sure Ewing isn’t complaining. She had planned 9 holes Monday but the few worn out golfers can take a little walk around the course instead. And get back on it Tuesday.
Aside from this scheduling issue, this event instantly feels like the 5th most important event on the lpga tour; realizing there are 5 majors but we ALL know one of them is not a major.
This match play event and jaw dropping Shadow Creek are a beautiful match. My girl’s and wife focused on this event like few others.
I was disappointed in Jenny Money giving up but not surprised. Already not the model of fitness —although I call her the prototypical golfer— Shen Shen spent most of the last year thinking about breakfast, lunch and dinner. They should penalize her a bit more. And give that money to charity. Imo.
Outstanding event. THanks to all parties involved.
Tom Edrington
They simply need to NOT play in late May — too hot and a tree-lined course that offers no breeze; When I saw Jenny walk off after her win Saturday, I wasn’t sure she’d be able to go Sunday morning; I give her credit for that….when you’re out of gas, you’re out of gas and her needle read: “EMPTY”
baxter cepeda
This event requires extra stamina; it’s amazing Shen Shen got as far as she did.
There are better times to hold the event but it is what it is; maybe it’s the only option given.
Now while It was hot; it wasn’t sweltering. And it’s a dry heat…which everyone seems to think is a good thing.
Imo they just need shuttles from hole to hole; especially on the weekend for those playing 36 a day.