Welcome to the Monday Leaderboard, where we recap the weekend’s top stories in the world of golf. Grab a drink, take a seat, and let’s dive into one of the most thrilling finishes to a major tournament in recent memory…
LPGA: They’re going five-wide into a playoff!
The Chevron Championship, the first major of the LPGA season, delivered a nail-biting finish that left fans on the edge of their seats. The playoff drama included stunning shots, slow play controversies, and unexpected twists that made it one of the most memorable tournaments in recent history.
Start with Ariya Jutanugarn, who found herself in a playoff after a wild 18th hole that saw her take an unconventional approach to a backstop. Despite a misfire on her third shot, she ended up tied with Hyo Joo Kim at seven-under. Ruoning Yin and Haeran Ryu also joined the playoff after strong finishes.
However, it was Mao Saigo who emerged victorious with a birdie on the first playoff hole, sealing a remarkable win in a field of five players.
And just when you thought the day couldn’t get any crazier, Saigo had a close call during the traditional pond leap celebration:
“I’m not really a good swimmer,” Saigo said through an interpreter. “When I went inside, it was deep and at first, I thought I was going to drown.”
After a heart-stopping moment, Saigo was safely pulled out of the water, capping off a truly unforgettable tournament.
A pair of first-time winners at the Zurich Classic
Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin secured their first PGA Tour victory at the Zurich Classic team-play event, edging out the competition with a stellar performance. The duo’s win marked a milestone in their careers, showcasing their talent and determination on the course.
Joaquin Niemann takes LIV Mexico, secures U.S. Open bid
Joaquin Niemann continued his impressive run in LIV Golf by claiming victory at the Mexico event and earning a spot in the U.S. Open. The win solidified Niemann’s position as a top contender in the tour and set the stage for his upcoming major challenge at Quail Hollow.
The fabled Ames Albatross
Stephen Ames wowed fans with an incredible albatross at the Mitsubishi Electric Classic, showcasing his skill and experience on the course. The veteran golfer’s remarkable shot added excitement to the tournament and secured him a respectable finish.
Shot of the week: Country golf
Chandler Phillips delivered a memorable shot at TPC Louisiana, braving the elements for a spectacular escape from the muck. His fearless approach and impressive skill earned him recognition as the standout performer of the week.
Up next: PGA Tour: The CJ Cup Byron Nelson (TPC Craig Ranch, Texas); LPGA: Black Desert Championship (Ivins, Utah); PGA Tour Champions: Insperity Invitational (The Woodlands, Texas) LIV: LIV Golf Korea (Incheon, South Korea).