Lilia Vu and Joel Dahmen didn’t actually meet until Tuesday, but the two have been exchanging texts with their caddies for about a week.
Vu is the No. Vu, the No.
Dahmen replied, “Yeah. It’s the greatest era of history.”
Vu, the world’s No. Vu and Dahmen, the No.
The first mixed team co-sanctioned tournament between the PGA Tour & LPGA has been held since John Daly & Laura Davies won the final JC Penny Classic back in 1999. It’s been talked about bringing back a coed team tournament since the last one was cancelled. The event at Tiburon Golf Club, in Naples Florida, has drawn some of the best talent.
It means a great deal. Vu stated that they had been wanting to have this tournament for some time. It’s a big deal to have both men’s and women’s golf on the same stage at such a high level. So it’s an honour to be here.”
Vu is actually nervous about playing in the mixed event.
Dahmen asked, “What’s the point in being nervous?” It’s offseason, it’s you, the best player on the planet, and we are just having fun. We’re going beat the majority of players here.
“Yeah, you’re right. Vu replied, “I’m going need that a great deal.”
Dahmen made Vu nervous by telling her that “my paycheck is dependent on you this coming week.”
No pressure right?
“Oh no, Vu said. “I just began sweating.”
“Our Team’s Going to Have More Fun Than Everyone Else, That’s The Number One Thing,” Dahmen Said. “She’s won 4 times this year. Since I was 12, I’ve never won four times. “To watch her handle all that comes out this week will be awesome.”
Dahmen said that Vu’s putting skills would be entertaining to watch.
Vu replied, “Yeah. I got you.”
Dahmen replied, “Love it!”
Vu-Tang Clan doesn’t have the only team name that is a bit offbeat. Nelly Korda is Team FiNelly.
Finau, six-time Tour winner, said: “And Certified Fresh. That comes from Finau Fresh. And she is Certified Finau Fresh.”
Korda is an eight-time LPGA champion. “I was quite happy.”
Both Korda, and Finau were ambassadors for tournament title sponsors and so it was a natural match. They had never played golf before Tuesday’s nine-hole practice session.
Finau stated that “everything I thought of her game was even more impressive up close.”
Korda’s reply: “You already make me blush.”
The session of mutual admiration continued.
She’s great at everything. Finau explained that sometimes my game is a bit rough. She will clean it up. “Nelly has a great attitude and is also extremely competitive. She’s a good partner to have.”
“I just get compliments everywhere,” Korda said. “I love it.”
What part of Finau’s game does she find most impressive? She said, “I’m excited to see the bombs.” “Hit me close.”
The Vu-Tang Clan and Team FiNelly may only be getting to know one another before the 54-hole event begins on Friday but it already sounds like they’re BFFs.
