Bailey Tardy, an LPGA pro with a strong connection to Douglas, won her first LPGA event Sunday thanks to a dominating back nine that obliterated her competition, including future hall of famer Lydia Ko, who was in contention until Sunday. Ko faded on the last day, eventually finishing tied for fourth.
Tardy made headlines last year as a rookie with a tie for fourth at the Women’s U.S. Open at Pebble Beach after leading the tournament through 36 holes. Her fourth place finish earned her $482,136.
This weekend, the LPGA was in China for the LPGA Blue Bay tournament in Lingshui, Hainan, China. Tardy took over the tournament on Sunday when she sank a 51-foot putt for eagle to move to -14 and take a share of the lead with Sarah Schmelzel. From there, Tardy went on a tear, eventually finishing -19 and carding a final-round 65. If there was a disappointing moment for her, it came on 18 when she had a 10-foot birdie putt to tie the tournament record with a 64. Her putt rolled by the cup but she drained her second putt for a 65. Schmelzel finished four back in second with a -15.
“It was a lot of self-reflecting trying to figure out if I was even good enough to be on the LPGA, if I wanted it enough,” Tardy said to GolfDigest. “The life on the road is not for everybody, and so I just didn’t know if this was the profession for me. Now that I’m an LPGA winner I’m so happy I stuck to it. This is a dream come true.”
The win gives Tardy a two-year exemption on the LPGA and a $330,000 payday.
Tardy’s grandmother, Claire Tardy, and Gail Kirkland of Douglas, are sisters. Tardy has been to Douglas several times and has played at the Douglas Golf and Country Club.
GolfDigest.com contributed to this report.
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