The LPGA debut of Anna Davis appeared to be all but over. The 16-year-old winner of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur had just bogeyed Nos. 13 and 14 after receiving a sponsor invitation to compete in this week’s Palos Verdes Championship. She was also two shots behind the expected cut line at 4 over for the tournament.
Then there were the heroics.
The fearless, bucket-hat-wearing girl organized a crucial rally, eagleing the par-5 16th hole and finishing with a birdie-par finish to make the cut by two shots, at 1 over, and punch her ticket to the weekend at Palos Verdes Golf Club near Los Angeles.
“I knew I had to do something special to make the cut,” Davis explained. “I knew I had to be a little more aggressive in the last few holes.”
Davis said she knew she was going for it in two at the 499-yard No. 16 hole before she even hit her tee ball. She drove her second shot to 40 feet and sank the putt to get back above the cut line.
She sank another putt at the par-3 17th hole after stuffing one.
“I knew I had to shoot par-par after the eagle,” Davis explained, “so having a birdie there was like a cushion, to not feel as much pressure.”
Davis isn’t concerned about finishing second, despite being 10 shots behind Hannah Green. She had already completed the tasks she had set for herself for this week.
Davis remarked, “Very cool.” “I’m delighted I was able to achieve my aim of making the cut.” Yeah, I’m looking forward to playing this weekend.”
