With the 2020 LPGA season winding down, the ladies headed to Greensboro, Georgia for the inaugural
LPGA Drive On Championship – Reynolds Lake Oconee. This 72-hole format was held at the 6,664-yard,, par 72 layout. The purse for the tournament was $1.3 million with 500 points at stake for the Race to the CME Globe.
Round One
Number five ranked player in the world, Danielle Kang, got off to a great start and finished at seven-under par. She held a one-shot lead over Jennier Song and Ally McDonald. Ariya Jutanugarn, who hasn’t recorded a top-ten since a year ago at the Buick LPGA Shanghai, was in the mix after a round of 67. Bianca Pagdanganan, Pernilla Lindberg, and Marissa Steen were only three shots back. A group of six, including Mel Reid, finished at three under par on a day when scoring conditions were excellent.
Round Two
The leader at the halfway point was Ally McDonald, who went on a streak of five consecutive birdies and finished her first 36 holes at ten-under par. Bianca Pagdanganan and Danielle Kang, who recorded four birdies and two bogeys, were just a shot off the lead. Ariya Jutanugarn had four birdies and an eagle, but also recorded bogey and double bogey on consecutive holes to finish at eight-under. Mel Reid and Pernilla Lindberg were just three off the pace. Five were tied at six-under, including Carlota Ciganda, whose five consecutive birdies sparked her round of 65, which was the lowest of the day.
Round Three
Ally McDonald maintained a one-stroke lead following the third round after a 69 left here at minus-13. Bianca Pagdanganan remained on her heels at minus-12, while Danielle Kang, number one in the Race to the CME Globe, was at minus-11. Three shots back included a trio of three, including Ariya Jutanugarn, who posted a round of 70. Lydia Ko led a group four that were tied for 9th at seven-under par. The round of the day went to Liz Nagel, who recorded seven birdies without a blemish for a score of 65. Notables include Cristie Kerr and Stacy Lewis, each at minus-4, Lexi Thompson at minus-3 and Minjee Lee, who came in at plus-two after a round of 75.
Final Round
Despite the usual difficult Sunday pin placements, scoring was quite good. Amy Olson finished at minus-three, but shot the round of the day of 65. Matilda Castren, who won last week on the Symetra Tour, posted a 67 and was tied with Lydia Ko and Brittany Altamore are minus-10. Ariya Jutanugarn had her best showing in a year, finishing tied with Katherine Kirk at minus-11. Mina Harigae finished strong with a 67 and finished three back at minus-13. The top three remained the same, as Ally McDonald recorded three straight birdies to start the back nine and finished at minus-16 to secure her first LPGA win. Danielle Kang and Bianca Pagdanganan rounded out the top three.
Looking Ahead
The LPGA Tour has a three-week break before heading to Belleair, Florida for the Peclian Women’s Championship. This inaugural event, which takes place November 19-22, has a purse of $1.5 million with 500 points at stake for the Race to the CME Globe.
