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Written By: Steve Eubanks jseubanks
Steve Eubanks is a New York Times bestselling author and managing editor for the LPGA.
MIDLAND, Mich. | At least they didn’t cry. On the 12 other occasions that either Moriya or Ariya Jutanugarn has won a LPGA Tour event, the other sister has been a blubbering mess, not even attempting to hold back the tears of joy they pour onto their sibling. But when they win one together as a team, as they did on Saturday with a stellar fourball 59 at the Great Lakes Bay Invitational to finish the week 24-under par, there was nothing. Nary a whimper and not a moist eye among them.
It’s not how you start. It’s how you finish.
Cameron Smith showed that at last year’s Sony Open in Hawaii. Smith won despite playing his first two holes in 4 over par, including a triple-bogey on his second hole of the tournament.
Smith is the only player in the ShotLink era (since 2003) to win after playing his first two holes in 4 over par. He’s also one of just 10 players since 1990 to win after making a triple-bogey (or worse) in the opening round.
Smith is in strong company, as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Greg Norman, Davis Love III and Sergio Garcia have also done it. It may come as no surprise that Mickelson is the only player on the list twice.