Bailey Tardy’s triumphant journey reached a pinnacle at the Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course in China as she clinched her maiden victory on the LPGA Tour with a remarkable final round of 7-under 65. In doing so, Tardy etched her name in history as the first American to seize the prestigious Blue Bay LPGA title, setting a new benchmark of excellence.
Her total score of 19-under 269 shattered records, standing as the lowest 72-hole score ever recorded in the event’s storied history. Tardy’s stellar performance eclipsed the previous mark of 13-under held by Minjee Lee since 2016.
The culmination of Tardy’s relentless pursuit of victory was marked by a composed display over four rounds, posting scores of 68, 70, 66, and finally, the crowning 65 to secure the title, edging out Sarah Schmelzel by a commanding four-stroke margin.
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While you were sleeping, Bailey Tardy decided to spring forward and capture her first LPGA career victory in impressive fashion. A final-round 65 resulted in a 4-stroke winβΌοΈ#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/Aatux9aWvP— Georgia Women's Golf (@UGAWomensGolf) March 10, 2024
Reflecting on her remarkable achievement, Tardy expressed a whirlwind of emotions, acknowledging the doubts and challenges she had faced en route to this significant milestone. “A lot of emotions right now. A lot of hard work and just a lot of doubt that was in my head that I could be at this level and win. This is special,” Tardy remarked, emphasizing the significance of her triumph.
Her journey to victory was not devoid of challenges, as Tardy found herself battling against a formidable field of competitors, including the likes of Lydia Ko, underscoring the depth of her achievement.
Throughout her final round, Tardy showcased composure and precision, recording an impressive tally of six birdies, an eagle, and a solitary bogey. Notably, a spectacular 51-foot eagle putt on the par-5 8th ignited her momentum, propelling her towards the pinnacle of success.
Despite encountering a brief setback with a bogey on the 10th hole, Tardy remained unfazed, rallying with five birdies in her closing eight holes to seal her triumph in resounding fashion.
For Tardy, this victory represents the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance, overcoming doubts and uncertainties along the way. Her journey to the upper echelons of the LPGA Tour was marked by sacrifices and self-reflection, as she navigated the challenges of professional golf.
Having secured her LPGA Tour card in 2022 after an arduous journey through the Epson Tour, Tardy’s resilience and determination bore fruit, culminating in a breakthrough victory that validates her unwavering commitment to the sport.
Tardy’s ascent to victory not only adds another chapter to her burgeoning career but also underscores the depth of talent within American women’s golf. As the second American to claim victory on the LPGA Tour this season, following Nelly Korda’s triumph at the LPGA Drive On Championship, Tardy’s success serves as an inspiration to aspiring young golfers across the nation.
In clinching her maiden victory at the Blue Bay LPGA, Tardy joins an esteemed list of players who have secured their first Tour triumph at the prestigious event, further cementing her place in golfing history alongside Lee-Anne Pace and Gaby Lopez.
Bailey Tardy’s remarkable journey from uncertainty to triumph is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity. As she basks in the glory of her maiden LPGA Tour victory, Tardy’s inspiring tale serves as a reminder of the transformative power of perseverance and self-belief in achieving one’s dreams.
