The end of the year is a time for reflection, so over the next few days, we'll be taking a look back at some of this year's most memorable moments in golf.
The end of the year is a time for reflection, so over the next few days, we'll be taking a look back at some of this year's most memorable moments in golf.
This year, the world of golf has most definitely had its share of drama, wonderful achievements, notable comebacks and the introduction of new initiatives to get more people golfing. So, to mark the end of 2018, we're going to be taking a look back at the most memorable moments from the past 12 months.
Monday Major Madness
After 193 tournament starts, Sweden’s Pernilla Lindberg claimed her first LPGA Tour win in spectacular fashion at the ANA Inspiration. At the close of the fourth round at Mission Hills Country Club, three players were tied at 15-under par - Inbee Park, Pernilla Lindberg, and Jennifer Song - forcing a three-way playoff until Song was eliminated after the third hole. Playing the 18th hole four times, it wasn’t long until darkness won out and Park and Lindberg had no choice but to return to the course on Monday morning. Playing the 10th for the 8th and final time, Lindberg sunk a 30-foot birdie putt to claim her first win and Major title.
Women in Golf Charter Launch
Martin Slumbers screeched the R&A into the twenty-first century at breakneck speed this year, thanks in part to the introduction of the Women in Golf Charter – an initiative that should mean that gender is no longer a barrier to golf participation. There is nothing new about efforts to drive women and girls’ golf participation, but when there is a commitment to encourage change from golf’s governing body, The R&A, including a financial commitment of £80 million over the next 10 years, then it’s a big deal.
Georgia Hall Makes History - Again and Again!
Twenty-two-year-old Georgia Hall had never won on the Ladies European Tour or the LPGA before, but that didn’t stop her from adding her name to the Ricoh Women’s British Open trophy in momentous style. Hall didn’t drop a single shot in the first 48 holes of the tournament. One shot off the lead until the 14th in the final round, the Bournemouth star kept her nerve and powered to the win with a tournament score of 17-under – two shots clear of Thailand’s Pananong Phatlum. Hall is only the third British winner since the championship became a Major, following in the footsteps of Karen Stupples and Catriona Matthew. She’s also one of only five British major winners in history, and the only player to ever win the British Girls, British Amateur, and British Open.
Just a few weeks ago Hall won the LET order of merit for a second consecutive year to enter her name in the history books again and steal the title away from the legendary Dame Laura Davies as the youngest player to have ever done so.
Despite her record-breaking year, Hall's performance earnt nothing more than a 10-second mention at this year's Sports Personality of the Year awards. Hall was omitted from the shortlist for the main award, raising questions about the state of women's golf and proving that it's been a tale of two steps forward, one step back for the sport this year.
Curtis Cup Woes for GB&I
The 2018 Curtis Cup is one that we’d all rather forget after the US defeated Great Britain & Ireland with a record-breaking scoreline. Hosts US held a 9-3 lead going into Sunday’s singles matches, and despite hopes of a turnaround on the final day, it wasn’t the case for GB&I. Unable to secure a single point from any of the matches, the US team powered to victory to retain the trophy 17 points to 3.
Keep your eyes peeled on our website for more of this year's memorable moments!
