Matilda Castren hit her putt and Kelly Tan watched it roll towards the cup.
The ball appeared to be going into the hole, but it actually broke right at the hole, and missed. Cheyenne Knight, Elizabeth Szokol and Maria Fassi hugged each other on the 18th hole before Emma Talley sprayed champagne over them.
Knight and Szokol were able to hold onto their lead at Midland Country Club, Michigan, after shooting a 5-under-par 65. They finished the tournament at 23 under par and won the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational 2023. Knight’s second LPGA win, while Szokol’s is her first. This was their third appearance in the tournament as a team.
Szokol said, “It is amazing to win my first race.” It’s been something I have worked on for a very long time and it is so difficult to win here. Everyone is a fantastic player.
“It’s great to finally be able to do it, and even better when Cheyenne is by my side.” This event has been on our minds all year. “After our great finish last year, it was a must to return, and to win is amazing.”
Knight and Szokol became the second American pair to win this event, following the defending champions Jennifer Kupcho & Lizette Salas.
Castren’s putting would have forced a play-off, but Tan and her settled for second place at 22 under. Three teams tied for third place at 20 under: Celine Boutier/Yuka Sados, Jodi Shadoff/Talley, and Celine Boge/Polly Mack.
Knight and Szokol held on to their lead despite a two-hour delay due to rain on the 13th.
Knight stated that it was difficult to go through the rain delay and regain a two-shot advantage, but it evaporated very quickly. It was surreal. “Wow, we did that!” We were out here all day but we made it. “It was pure joy, yes.”
The Amundi Evian Championship, at the Evian Resort Golf Club is the next major women’s championship. Brooke Henderson, the current champion, is in action.
