Lucky Break

Back in 1989, during the second round of the Women's Kemper Open, I had the pleasure of being paired with Laura Davies at the Princeville Country Club on the beautiful island of Kauai. This was Laura's second full year on tour and  her prowess with the driver was well known. This day was no exception. Drives in the 280-300 yard range were common.

Unfortunately her putter was dreadful. Three putts were abundant and her feel seemed non-existent.  

On the 15th hole Laura crushed another drive leaving a flip wedge to the green. The ball settled 20 feet above the hole. She left her first putt  5 feet short and was in total disgust. She could no longer control her anger. A mighty kick aimed at the head of her putter sent it flying off!

Since the club was broken in anger it could not be replaced. She proceeded to finish the round putting with her sand wedge.

After making that 5 footer she proceeded to birdie the 16th, 17th and just lipped out on 18. The weight of the sand wedge gave her stroke a silky smoothness which the putter lacked.

I assumed she found another putter for the final round but her new found confidence propelled her to six under par finish and tied for 19th. Even the pros deserve a lucky "break" now and then.

Return to Stories