Angela Stanford reflects on a storied LPGA career

In what could be her final LPGA Tour event, Angela Stanford walked off the course in Hawaii with mixed emotions. Known for her gritty determination and love of competition, the 46-year-old veteran played her last few holes with a sense of clarity and peace that comes only from a long, accomplished career. Stanford, who has been a fixture on the LPGA Tour for over two decades, reflected on her journey and what the game has meant to her.

Speaking right after her final round after finishing tied 26th with a glass of prosecco in hand, Stanford explained how focusing on her game held off some of the sentimentality. "The good news is I was still trying to make a birdie to try to get into next week," she said, smiling, “so I think that in itself kept me away from all the emotion." But the weight of the moment hit her as she reviewed her scorecard. “I said going into today I wanted to be me, I wanted to play my game. I hit every green on the back nine. Throughout my career, my iron play was what I relied on, so that kind of made me get teary-eyed.”

Hawaii held a special significance for Stanford, both as a destination and a place of reflection. She recalled her first visit to the islands in 1997 with the TCU golf team, saying, “I fell in love with it. Every time I could come back and play I did. I love the people. I love the vibe. It’s gorgeous.” Ending her competitive rounds here felt fitting for the veteran golfer, who said, “It just has a way of just reminding you that it’s a beautiful place. So, yeah, finishing here is pretty special.”

Reflecting on her LPGA Tour career

Reflecting on her LPGA career, Stanford described her journey on Tour as a “rollercoaster,” filled with highs and lows. She competed in six Solheim Cups as a player and has been assistant captain twice, has seven LPGA titles to her name, including a Major at the Amundi Evian Championship in 2018 at the age of 40.

Standford has witnessed generational shifts in the game, and played alongside legends like Juli Inkster, Annika Sörenstam, and Lorena Ochoa. “From 2001 until now that Tour has changed quite a bit,” Stanford noted. “I tee’d it up with Beth Daniel and Meg Mallon… and coming down to the end, teeing up with Nelly and Lilia. To just span all that time and to see all these great players… I’ve been very fortunate to have such a long career.”

Leaving her legacy

When asked about her legacy, Stanford spoke with humility, expressing hope that she contributed to the Tour’s growth. “I hope I was another stepping stone. I hope I helped the Tour go to another level,” she reflected. “Hopefully I get to talk about [these players] in the future… I hope my legacy would be that I was one of the good ones. I was one that loved the Tour and made it better.”

Though not yet decided on a complete farewell, Stanford hinted at finding peace with stepping away. “I’m so happy. I’m happy to move on. I’m happy to not practice if I don’t get in next week,” she admitted, with an air of finality. “You get to a point where you’re like, good or bad, I’m ready.”

With her longtime friend Kristy McPherson ready to caddie for a possible final round if points align for her entry into this week’s event at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, where she is second reserve, Stanford’s LPGA Tour career may still have one last chapter. But for now, she leaves the Tour with her legacy intact, grateful for the journey and content with whatever lies ahead.

Find out more about this week's tournament The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican here.