A sensational weekend of exquisite golf and a successful country music concert culminated in a thrilling five-hole playoff at Pinehaven in Guilderland. Twin Bridges Championship Tournament Director Jim Miller delighted fans by announcing that the Epson Tour will return to Pinehaven for its 40th anniversary, a piece of news that is sure to delight the Capital Region, women’s golf, and women’s sports aficionados.
The conclusion of the tournament was truly remarkable. Spectators lining the 18th hole erupted in thunderous applause when Jenny Bae sunk a crucial putt to secure a par and force a fourth tie. Natasha Andrea Oon had an opportunity for a birdie but unfortunately missed. Bae, in just her third professional start after a remarkable collegiate career that earned her the prestigious 2023 Juli Inkster Award as an All-American University of Georgia Bulldog, clinched victory with a clutch approach, putt, and birdie on the fifth playoff hole. This win marked her second triumph in less than a week on the tour. Notably, she doubled her earnings to $60,000 and now ranks among the esteemed top 10 in the Race for the Card, the official money list for securing playing status on the LPGA Tour.
However, it was Oon who captured the hearts of many, finishing as the runner-up for the fourth time this year. She benefitted from the assistance of local caddy Mike Farina of Ballston Spa, who also arranged last-minute lodging courtesy of Dawn and Jim Hopsicker from Guilderland. The Hopsickers graciously hosted three players on Sunday night who had plans to drive to New York City for a brief respite. Dawn Hopsicker expressed her enthusiasm for hosting again, stating that it was a fantastic experience.
Oon’s emotional comeback round garnered immense admiration, especially with a spectacular birdie putt from off the green on the 18th hole. Although she started the day with two early bogeys, Oon’s tenacity led to a series of birdies. Ultimately, she finished the weekend with a remarkable six-under performance, boasting scores of 69-72-66 (207), with her performance on Sunday tying for the best score in the entire field. Her earnings from the Epson purse amounted to $18,834 out of the $200,000 total. As of now, she ranks second on the Race for the Card money list with $104,264 in earnings.
When asked how she managed her nerves during the final holes, Oon became emotional and mentioned her mom and family as her source of inspiration. She highlighted the mental challenges of competing week after week and the gratitude she felt towards her host family, albeit the constant change in beds. With an average score of 69.72 and an impressive 32 rounds under par after 13 tournaments, Oon leads the tour in scoring average and rounds under par. She also holds the record for the highest number of rounds played with 39.
Reflecting on her experience, Oon expressed gratitude for the lessons she learned and her current position. She remains hopeful that she will achieve her ultimate goal someday, even though winning was not at the forefront of her mind on the day of the tournament. As the aspiring golfer contemplates her future, securing her LPGA card seems imminent, considering her outstanding performance thus far.
In a separate development, Hannah Gregg, a notable influencer with a substantial following on Instagram and Twitter, found vindication after engaging in a verbal duel with online critics following her disappointing performance at Pinehaven. Her company, Short Game Gains, gained national attention when Golfweek published a story crediting their Short Game Gains Putting Mirror as one of the key factors behind Brian Harman’s exceptional putting performance at The Open. The subsequent surge in orders, totaling more than 300, has left Gregg and her co-founder Fredrik Lindblom elated.
The article also mentions the upcoming Northeast Women’s Golf Association Championship, which will take place at Shaker Ridge on Wednesday and Thursday. Susan Kahler, from the Ballston Spa Country Club, will be defending her title, competing against previous champions Heidi Harkins and Rachel Barlette.
In conclusion, this weekend’s events at Pinehaven showcased stellar golf, exciting playoffs, and the triumphs and disappointments of talented athletes. Whether it was Bae’s stellar performance, Oon’s admirable resilience, or Gregg’s success as an entrepreneur, the world of sports had plenty to offer. The Epson Tour’s return to Pinehaven for its 40th anniversary is a testament to the enduring popularity of the event, and it promises to be a momentous occasion for the sport and its fans.
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