MESA, Ariz. — Two weeks of busy travel for the LPGA and its development tour in Arizona.
Longbow Golf Club, Mesa, will host the third edition of The Epson Tour’s Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic.
Next week, LPGA will return to Grand Canyon State for its first time since 2019, when the Bank of Hope Founders Cup took place in Phoenix. Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club will host the LPGA Drive On Championship, March 23-26. From 2004 to 2008, the club hosted the LPGA for Safeway International.
This makes it a great opportunity for new golfers to enjoy back-to-back opportunities.
LPGA member Bailey Tardy, despite a difficult week at Carlisle Golf Club, is determined to make the most out of consecutive weeks at nearby courses. Her first round score of 79 was partly due to a key piece equipment she forgot to bring.
Before showing off her new shoes, she stated that she didn’t own golf shoes on the first day. “Fifty dollars. PGA Superstore. They are not the same, but they are better for me.”
Tardy finished Tardy’s 79 with a 64, to make it Friday.
Canada’s Maude Aimee LeBlanc, just like Tardy will be making her 2023 LPGA debut at the Drive On. LeBlanc, like Tardy lives back east so the Epson event offers a great opportunity to prepare.
“We haven’t played in Arizona for a while, and I practice in Florida so it’s very different, grass, air. She said that the ball travels a lot further here, and she also mentioned that she is working with a new caddie in Mesa.
Tardy was one of the 16 players who entered Epson’s event. Grace Kim and Celine Boge, both LPGA members, are two of the LPGA’s advancing players. They were both 2022 Epson Tour graduates. Jaravee and Karen Boonchant, who finished in the No. 1 spot, are also dual members. Last year’s Q Series saw 21 and 45.
Longbow Golf Club’s leaderboard for the 2023 Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic. (Photo by Todd Kelly/Golfweek).
LPGA members Lauren Stephenson and Lauren Coughlin, Pernilla Langberg, Grace Kim, Amanda Doherty and Caroline Inglis made it to Longbow. Samantha Wagner was also there.
Jody Brothers is the new Epson Tour chief of business and operations. He has his sights set on Arizona’s first event, but knows that having the LPGA nearby next week will help with logistics and preparation for many players.
He said that while they are pros at traveling, it is important for them to be able to settle down and feel comfortable.
Tardy was only $343 short of her LPGA card in 2021. She doesn’t take anything for granted now that she has the status.
“It’s as difficult to stay on LPGA as it Is to get your card.”
She also discovered that a first-round of 79 does not have to ruin your entire week.
She said, “Honestly, after the first and second rounds [bouncing back in] is just never lose heart on yourself.” “Don’t dwell on the negatives, just focus on the positive and use that as a guide for the next day.
