Tag: Cheyenne Knight

Dow Championship team event ideal week for LPGA players to change the course of their season

For Sandra Gal and Maude-Aimee Leblanc, an opening 67 gives the old friends reason to smile.

There’s something about team golf that, for many, brings out the best. Over the course of the past four editions of the Dow Championship, several winning teams have enjoyed a serious springboard.

Cydney Clanton was ranked 269th in the world and playing on the Epson Tour when Jasmine Suwannapura invited her to play the Dow in 2019. By week’s end, Clanton was an LPGA winner and back on the big tour after the pair won by six.

Last year, Elizabeth Szokol teamed up with good friend Cheyenne Knight to earn her first LPGA title at age 29.

For Sandra Gal and Maude-Aimee Leblanc, an opening 67 in the alternate-shot format at Midland Country Club gives the old friends reason to smile. Gal, who is coming back from a years-long battle with Lyme disease and recent hip surgery, reached out to Leblanc after hearing she needed a partner.

A dozen years ago, Gal was Leblanc’s “big sister” on tour, a rookie program the LPGA puts together to help young players adjust. Their team name, “The Shorties,” is tongue-in-cheek given that both players are at least 6 feet tall.

“I think we really complement each other, obviously,” said Gal. “Maude hits it very, very far, and I think I hit some good wedge shots coming in and then we both made a few putts. It just felt like we just trusted each other and really enjoyed being out there.”

Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Canada and Sandra Gal of Germany walk the eighth fairway during the first round of the Dow Championship at Midland Country Club on June 27, 2024, in Midland, Michigan. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Gal, 39, who has played a very limited schedule for the past four years, is currently No. 813 in the world while Leblanc is 386th. Gal made her first tour start since 2022 earlier this season at the Blue Bay LPGA, where she tied for 55th. She withdrew from the ShopRite and missed the cut at the Meijer two weeks ago. The German won her only LPGA title in 2011 at the Kia Classic. She played on two Solheim Cup teams in 2011 and 2015.

Leblanc, 35, hasn’t finished better than a share of 47th so far this season and has never won on tour.

LPGA members on the winning team will receive the standard two-year winner’s exemption. CME points and prize money will be official for the purposes of the current-year LPGA Official Money List and Race to the CME Globe Standings. Rolex Player of the Year, Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year and U.S. Solheim Cup points will not be allocated and statistics will not be calculated. Rolex Women’s World Rankings Points also will not be allocated.

Another duo looking for a boost from the week is Team FinAsia – Matilda Castren and Kelly Tan – two players whose friendship blossomed years ago on the Epson Tour. Tan even served as Castren’s maid of honor two years ago. The pair finished second at this event in 2022, which marked Tan’s career-best finish on the LPGA.

“We have such a close friendship,” said Tan, “and we just cherish that we get to team up and play together.”

Tan currently ranks 905th in the Rolex Rankings while Castren, who has missed eight of her last nine cuts, is 369th. Castren won on the LPGA and the Ladies European Tour in 2021 to play her way onto the European Solheim Cup team.

The pair opened with a 2-under 68.

Interestingly, the team with two players ranked in the top 10 – Celine Boutier (6) and Yuka Saso (10) – had an unusually rough finish, carding a bogey and triple-bogey on the last two holes to shoot 74.

The second and final rounds will be played in a four-ball (best ball) format while the third round returns to foursomes (alternate shot).

After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 33 teams and ties. The purse of $3 million will award a first-place team prize of $732,165 ($366,082 each).

LPGA players revealed their favorite swings on tour — and one name kept coming up

It’s tough to beat Nelly’s.

At the LPGA Drive On Championship last week, the first full-field event of the season on tour, Golfweek asked several players to name their favorite swing on tour (outside of their own). Not surprisingly, one name kept popping up – Nelly Korda.

The hometown favorite would go on to win her ninth LPGA career title in a playoff against Lydia Ko in Bradenton, Florida. Danish player Nanna Koerstz Madsen even noted that she has used videos of Korda’s swing in the past to help her get into certain positions.

The No. 2 player in the world wasn’t the only name mentioned, of course. Here are the favorites:

How each American, European player fared at the 2023 Solheim Cup in Spain

Three players went unbeaten over the three days but only one earned 4 points over the five sessions.

CASARES, Spain — The 2023 Solheim Cup couldn’t have been closer.

The 18th edition of the biennial bash between the United States and Europe was all square at 8-8 entering Sunday singles, and after the final 12 matches – five won by the both teams and two ties – the competition ended in a 14-14 tie, and the Europeans retained the Cup.

In the event’s 23-year history, the Americans have taken home the trophy on 10 occasions, with the Europeans earning the other eight. Team Europe hasn’t lost since 2017 in Iowa.

Spain’s Carlota Ciganda was the only player to score four points this week (4-0-0) and was one of four players who went unbeaten, joining Gemma Dryburgh (0-0-2), Megan Khang (3-0-1) and Cheyenne Knight (2-0-1). Two players went winless for each team, but only one failed to earn a point.

Here’s a breakdown of how each player fared this week by event at the 2023 Solheim Cup.

MORE: Sunday singles results | Best shots | Crazy fans

European records

Player Overall (W-L-T) Singles (W-L-T) Foursomes (W-L-T) Fourball (W-L-T)
Celine Boutier 0-3-0 0-1-0 0-2-0 0-0-0
Charley Hull 1-2-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 1-0-0
Linn Grant 3-2-0 0-1-0 1-1-0 2-0-0
Georgia Hall 1-2-1 0-0-1 0-2-0 1-0-0
Leona Maguire 3-2-0 1-0-0 0-2-0 2-0-0
Carlota Ciganda 4-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 2-0-0
Anna Nordqvist 1-3-0 1-0-0 0-2-0 0-1-0
Maja Stark 2-1-1 1-0-0 1-1-0 0-0-1
Madelene Sagstrom 1-1-1 0-1-0 0-0-0 1-0-1
Gemma Dryburgh 0-0-2 0-0-1 0-0-0 0-0-1
Emily Pedersen 2-2-1 0-1-0 1-1-0 1-0-1
Caroline Hedwall 1-1-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-1-0

American records

Player Overall (W-L-T) Singles (W-L-T) Foursomes (W-L-T) Fourball (W-L-T)
Lilia Vu 1-3-0 1-0-0 0-1-0 0-2-0
Nelly Korda 2-2-0 0-1-0 2-0-0 0-1-0
Allisen Corpuz 2-1-1 0-1-0 2-0-0 0-0-1
Megan Khang 3-0-1 1-0-0 2-0-0 0-0-1
Lexi Thompson 3-1-0 1-0-0 2-0-0 0-1-0
Jennifer Kupcho 0-2-1 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-0-1
Ally Ewing 1-3-0 0-1-0 1-0-0 0-2-0
Rose Zhang 0-3-1 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-1
Danielle Kang 2-2-0 1-0-0 1-1-0 0-1-0
Angel Yin 2-1-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-1-0
Andrea Lee 1-2-1 0-0-1 1-1-0 0-1-0
Cheyenne Knight 2-0-1 0-0-1 1-0-0 1-0-0

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See which Solheim Cup captain’s picks have come up big in Spain and which have been on the bench

Cheyenne Knight (2-0-0) is undefeated so far in Spain.

Solheim Cup captains are always judged in part by their captain’s picks. The composition of the two 12-person teams are different in that Suzann Pettersen selects four players for Europe compared to Stacy Lewis’ three picks for Team USA.

So far, the European captain’s picks have combined for 4½ points to Team USA’s four points. While Pettersen has practically hidden two of her picks with Caroline Hedwall and Gemma Dryburgh only playing in one match apiece, she has leaned heavily on one pick: Emily Pedersen. The Dane is one of three European players to tee it up in all four matches. No American, however, will play every session.

Solheim Cup: 5 things we learned from Saturday

Here’s a look at how all seven captain’s picks have fared so far this week:

2023 Solheim Cup Friday morning foursomes pairings feature struggling Lexi Thompson out first

World No. 2 Lilia Vu is on the bench for the opening matches, as is rising star Rose Zhang.

CASARES, Spain — The opening tee shots of the 2023 Solheim Cup are just hours away and the first group of pairings have officially been announced.

Friday morning’s foursomes pairings and matches at Finca Cortesin on Spain’s southern coast were released during the opening ceremony Thursday night at nearby Marbella Arena, with none other than U.S. star Lexi Thompson, who has struggled this year, set to take the first swing alongside Megan Khang against European and Swedish rookies, Linn Grant and Maja Stark.

Notably on the bench for the American side are world No. 2 Lilia Vu, who won two major championships this season, as well as rising star Rose Zhang, who has a penchant for match play.

“I wanted to get off to a good start. I wanted to get out four really good pairings and that’s kind of been my focus this whole time,” said U.S. captain Stacy Lewis. “So it was more about who matched up together versus even — I didn’t even look at who was sitting, to be honest. I wasn’t even worried about who was sitting. It was more just what are my best four options.”

“For my sake, I feel like I’ve had these four pairings down on paper for quite a few months now,” added European captain Suzann Pettersen. “It was more like in what order do you play ’em.”

Check out the four matches and pairings, as well as the eight players who will ride the pine pony for the first session of matches at the 2023 Solheim Cup. (Note: Spain is six hours ahead of Eastern Time in the U.S.)

MEET THE TEAMS: Europe | USA

Solheim Cup players, captains explain the test provided by the hilly host, Finca Cortesin

A drivable par-4 1st hole sets a unique tone for what fans should expect to see this week in Spain.

CASARES, Spain — When’s the last time you saw a drivable par 4 on the first hole of a golf course?

Fans who tune in to the 2023 Solheim Cup this week at Finca Cortesin on Spain’s southern coast will be treated to the rarity as the opening hole will provide a risk-reward option for players right from the jump.

A lot of the pre-match discussion this week from both players and captains has been about the unique test that this year’s host course will provide. The course at Finca Cortesin offers wide fairways and will bless the good shots and penalize the poor ones. Not only that, the heat and hills will make the 18th matches between the United States and Europe an equal parts physical and mental test for players and their caddies.

Here’s what the stars of the week had to say about this year’s host course as the Solheim Cup is held in Spain for the first time in its nearly two-decade history.

2023 Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational prize money payouts at Midland Country Club

The duo earned $326,872.

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There are two winners this week at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, meaning two players are taking home the top prize.

The LPGA’s best took on Midland Country Club in Midland, Michigan, this week in a team competition. With a major championship on the horizon next week in Europe, some players took the week off, but there was plenty of star power in the field looking to fine tune their games before the Amundi Evian Championship.

Cheyenne Knight and Elizabeth Szokol held on to their 54-hole lead to win at 23 under. Matilda Castren and Kelly Tan had a birdie putt on the 72nd hole to force a playoff, but it just missed. Knight and Szokol earned $326,872 for their victory, splitting the first-place prize.

Here’s a look at the prize money payouts for the 2023 Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational.

Position Player Score Earnings (per player)
1 Cheyenne Knight, Elizabeth Szokol -23 $326,872
2 Matilda Castren, Kelly Tan -22 $160,017
T3 Celine Boutier, Yuka Saso -20 $77,400
T3 Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Emma Talley -20 $77,400
T3 Celine Borge, Polly Mack -20 $77,400
6 Stacy Lewis, Maria Fassi -19 $49,366
7 Yan Liu, Muni He -17 $43,306
8 Sarah Kemp, Alena Sharp -16 $38,403
T9 Peiyun Chien, Yu-Sang Hou -14 $30,914
T9 Yu Liu, Ruixin Lin -14 $30,914
T9 Paula Reto, Amelia Lewis -14 $30,914
T9 Ana Belac, Bianca Pagdanganan -14 $30,914
T13 Daniela Darquea, Karis Davidson -13 $30,369
T13 Megan Khang, Alison Lee -13 $30,369
T13 Mi Hyang Lee, Jeongeun Lee5 -13 $30,369
T13 Wichanee Meechai, Pavarisa Yoktuan -13 $30,369
T17 Dewi Weber, Alexa Pano -12 $21,925
T17 Hae Ran Ryu, Yaeeun Hong -12 $21,925
T17 Carolina Inglis, Amanda Doherty -12 $21,925
T17 Sarah Schmelzel, Lindsey Weaver-Wright -12 $21,925
T21 Min Lee, Weiwei Zhang -11 $11,822
T21 Jennifer Chang, Karen Chung -11 $11,822
T21 Linnea Strom, Linnea Johansson -11 $11,822
T21 Jasmine Suwannapura, Cydney Clanton -11 $11,822
25 Maddie Szeryk, Lauren Hartlage -10 $9,737
T26 Hannah Green, Su Oh -9 $9,125
T26 Pornanong Phatlum, Dottie Ardina -9 $8,853
T26 Pauline Roussin, Pernilla Lindberg -9 $8,853
T29 Pajaree Anannarukarn, Aditi Ashok -8 $7,218
T29 Yealimi Noh, Soo Bin Joo -8 $7,218
T31 Savannah Grewal, Annabelle Pancake -6 $6,469
T31 Julietta Granada, Sofia Garcia -6 $6,469
33 Christie Kerr, Kristy McPherson -5 $6,060
T34 Christina Kim, Lindy Duncan -4 $5,788
T34 Haeji Kang, Tiffany Chan -4 $5,846
36 Sophia Schubert, Haylee Harford -1 $5,345
37 Jasmine Ly, Kimberly Dinh 1 $5,209

 

Cheyenne Knight, Elizabeth Szokol hold on for victory at 2023 Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational

It’s the first LPGA victory for Szokol.

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Matilda Castren smacked her putt, and partner Kelly Tan watched anxiously as it rolled toward the cup.

The ball looked as if it was going in the whole way, but instead, it broke hard right at the hole and missed. Standing off to the side of the 18th green, Cheyenne Knight and Elizabeth Szokol gave a hug to each other before Emma Talley and Maria Fassi rushed the green and sprayed them in champagne.

Knight and Szokol held on to their 54-hole lead, shooting 5-under 65 to hold on at 23 under and win the 2023 Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational at Midland Country Club in Midland, Michigan. For Knight, it’s her second LPGA victory while Szokol picked up her first. It was their third start as partners in the tournament.

“It’s amazing to get my first win,” Szokol said. “It’s something I’ve been working for a long time, and it’s so tough to win out here. Everyone is such a great player.

“So to finally do that, and it’s even better with Cheyenne by my side. We’ve been talking about this event all year. And since our good finish last year, we couldn’t wait to get back, and to actually win is pretty amazing.”

Knight and Szokol also became the second American duo to win the event, joining defending champions Jennifer Kupcho and Lizette Salas.

They each won $326,872.

Castren’s putt would’ve forced a playoff, but her and Tan settled for solo second at 22 under. There was a three-way tie for third at 20 under, including Celine Boutier/Yuka Saso, Jodi Ewart Shadoff/Talley and Celine Borge/Polly Mack.

There was a nearly two-hour rain delay with the leaders on the 13th hole, but Knight and Szokol made two birdies down the stretch to hold on.

“It was hard going to the rain delay, two-shot lead coming back, and it evaporated really quickly,” Knight said. “It was just surreal. It was, like, wow, we did it. We’ve been out here all day, but we did it. So it was just, yeah, pure joy.”

Up next is the fourth women’s major championship of the year, the Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club in France. Brooke Henderson is the defending champion.

Cheyenne Knight, Elizabeth Szokol lead LPGA’s Dow Great Lakes team event

The Dow is the first official team competition in LPGA Tour history.

The duo of Cheyenne Knight and Elizabeth Szokol was tied for 18th after the first round and tied for sixth after the second.

After 54 holes at the LPGA’s Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, the duo holds the outright lead, three clear of the field.

And they did so by posting the tournament’s 18-hole foursomes scoring record.

“We’re really good friends, so I think we’re very comfortable playing together,” Szokol  said. “We know each other really well, and I have so much trust in Cheyenne’s game, and that makes it so much easier for alternate shot.”

On Friday, Knight/Szokol recorded a 62, their day featuring a back-nine 29, nine total birdies and only one bogey at Midland Country Club in Midland, Michigan.

“I think our goal every day is just to have fun. I think before we started on Wednesday, alternate shot you are a little bit nervous, but we just said, let’s just have fun and enjoy it,” Knight said. “We don’t get a format like this or a team event very often, so it’s just super fun.”

Knight and Szokol are at 18 under overall, three ahead of Matilda Castren/Kelly Tan. Celine Borge/Polly Mack are tied for third at 13 under along with Shadoff and Talley.

Knight has one LPGA win, the 2019 Volunteers of America Classic. Szokol is seeking her first victory.

Notable teams that missed the Thursday cut included Brooke Henderson/Lexi Thompson, Ruoning Yin/Xiaowen Yin and Georgia Hall/Ryann O’Toole.

The tournament concludes Saturday, giving those headed to the LPGA’s next major, the Amundi Evian Championship in France, an extra day for travel and preparation.

Sunday finish for Dow in 2024

The Dow started in 2019 and has always featured a Saturday finish. Next year, however, it’ll conclude on a Sunday.

The first official team competition in LPGA Tour history, the Dow is shifting dates to accommodate the 2024 Summer Olympics, which will be in Paris.

Photos: Cheyenne Knight through the years

View photos of Cheyenne Knight thoughout her career

Cheyenne Knight is quickly becoming a name to watch on the LPGA Tour.

Knight had quite the amateur resume when she left Alabama in 2018 to turn professional, leaving Tuscaloosa with four individual wins. She was a huge part of the Crimson Tide’s stacked 2018 NCAA National Championship team.

Knight broke through with her first LPGA victory in her home state of Texas at the 2021 Volunteers of America Classic at Old American Golf Club in The Colony.

Knight has flown under the radar ever since, but is showing promise and gaining form as we near the midway point of the 2023 season. With three top 10s over the past calendar year and currently sitting in the top 25 in the Race to CME Globe, Knight is a name to watch with three majors remaining in the LPGA season.