MD came into the WGAT Players Championship focused and captured the lead on the first hole and after day one she held a three stroke lead going into the final round. MD Shot net even par to Bruce Browne’s net +3. knowing no lead is safe, evident of Mark Wanke’s 7 stroke lead at the WGAT Open on day only to place 7th.
MD started strong on day two shooting net even par for the first three holes and increasing her lead to 6 after Browne recorded a net triple bogie on the third hole. Then the par three 4th named “eden” inspired and designed after the Eden at St Andrews proved to be a worthy challenge. Eden's first victim was Miami Florida’s Mike Aybar on day one when he recorded a 22. MD making sure to clear the force carry of water to the green hit a shot that cleared the green into a bunker, left with a difficult lie MD second shot rolled on to the downward sloping green to roll into the water. Since the hazard was lined with yellow stakes, she had to make her drop on the other side of the water near her original tee box. After successfully landing on the green, later she had admit that the was shock up which lead to her only three put of the tournament to record a 7 on the par 3. “ I thought I had just lost the tournament” Hudon said in the post event press conference, “it took me several holes to calm down and refocus”
Even after her seven she left the 4th hole with a two stroke lead but that is all Bruce Brown needed to take advantage. Bruce went on to net birdie 7,8,9 and 10 to take the lead for the first time by three while Hudon held the lead for the first 24 holes of the tournament.
Hudon settled down after 6th hole to record 6 straight pars when she birdied 14 and 15 along with Browns bogie on 15, Hudon and Browne were now tied with three to go. Browne to charge and recorded a net eagle on 16 to take a two stroke lead and both Hudon and Brown bogied 17 giving Browne a two stroke cushion with one hole to go. Hudon played aggressive on the par 5 making the green in regulation. Smartly Browne laid up avoiding the hazard protecting the green, unfortunately he pushed his shot right landing in 6 inches of ruff forcing him to punch out to about 100 yards for his 4th. Browne landed is approach short to finally record a double bogie, Hudon had a long put to win but missed and two putted to force a playoff.
Hudon again on the first playoff hole had a chance to win with a one put but it lipped out leaving Browne with a three footer to force 2nd hole playoff, but still having his arrent chip stuck in his mind he missed the putt giving MD the Championship.
MD’s Victory and in the fashion she won overcoming a two stroke deficit with one hole to go gave her redemption for the Masters lost. The roles were reversed with the same out come, how Ironic said San Diego Tour Director Jeff Ault.
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