A confidence game
Mississauga’s Grewal proves to herself she belongs in LPGA
Savannah Grewal’s final-round playing partner at the Blue Bay LPGA was Minjee Lee, a major champion Grewal had often watched on television.
But, even though the Mississauga rookie called golfing with the former world No. 1 “surreal,” she managed to walk away with an impressive result, and a healthy cheque.
Grewal, 22, finished tied for fourth at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Club, six shots back of winner Bailey Tardy. One day after shooting a tournament course record 8-under 64, Grewal — in just her second event on tour — fired a 68 to tie Lee and three-time Canadian Women’s Open champion Lydia Ko.
“I think this just honestly proved to myself that I’m good enough to be out here, and good enough to come out here and not just try to survive and make the cut, but come out here and compete with the best players in the world,” Grewal told reporters in Hainan, China.
For Ko, one of the 54-hole leaders, a win would have also earned enough points for a spot in the LPGA Hall of Fame. But she struggled on the front nine on the way to a 71.
Tardy, meanwhile, went 5-under over the final eight holes for her first LPGA Tour title and $330,000 (U.S.). She finished at 19-under 269 and beat runner-up Sarah Schmelzel by four shots.
“(Last year), I wasn’t making any money. I’m 27, so it’s kind of like either you make it, or you go get a job,” said Tardy, visibly emotional during the trophy ceremony. “It’s a life that’s not for everybody. You have to really love being out here and love golf, and that’s what I do.”
Grewal is a half-decade younger than Tardy and said after the third round she was “living her dream” having turned pro at the end of last year, forgoing her final year of eligibility at Clemson to try to join the LPGA Tour.
She was a celebrated amateur, and earned a card through the tour’s qualifying tournament. It hasn’t taken long to make an impact.
“It’s just an honour. This is just my second event as a pro, so to be able to (break the course record) as a rookie feels really special,” Grewal said after a 10-birdie effort in the third round.
Grewal’s brother, Jordan, caddied for the first time. He’s a table tennis player and, after competing at the world championships two weeks ago, hopes to make Canada’s team for the Paris Olympics in qualifying late this month in St. Leonard, Que.
In a classic brother-sister moment, Jordan offered Savannah $20 if she could make a chip on the par-4 fifth hole Sunday. She knocked it in the hole, one of five final-round birdies.
“We had some good laughs out there,” said Grewal, who also picked up $95,905 for a share of fourth place.
The LPGA Tour returned to Blue Bay for the first time since 2018. Grewal said playing before large galleries added to an incredible experience.
“I loved it. It was the coolest thing ever,” she said with a smile. “In college golf, you don’t get people besides your parents watching … this is just the beginning.”
The season resumes March 21 with the Fir Hills Se Ri Pak Championship in California. Grewal is entered along with fellow Canadians Maude-Aimée Leblanc and Brooke Henderson, who won the event in 2021.