Story No. 10 – Pressel Comes Back to Win in Decatur
It was a wild finish at the 30th Annual Decatur-Forsyth Classic in 2014. Ashley Tait appeared to have a firm grasp of the event late in the back nine, but a mistake on 17 coupled with a strong finish by Madison Pressel forced a playoff, which Pressel won on the first playoff hole.
Tait had a three-shot lead on the par-3 17th hole, but made double bogey. Pressel, playing in the final group with Tait, made a birdie to complete a three-shot swing that would even the two with one hole left. Both made tap-in pars on the 18th hole to force a playoff.
Obviously, Pressel had the momentum heading into the playoff and you could tell Tait was feeling the weight of her stumble. Pressel made a 20-foot putt from above the hole to win the event.
Tait acted like a professional in the face of undeniable heartbreak and she must be commended for that. She was overcome with emotion off the green, but took time to answer questions for reporters in Decatur.
You felt good for Pressel in part because she’s always been the other Pressel to her sister Morgan, but she proved to many that she has the ability to one day play alongside her older sister on the LPGA.
If I remember correctly, the first person she called after she was done with the trophy presentation was her sister.
Pressel had a strong first season on the Epson Tour – finishing 22nd on the Volvik Race for the Card money list. She was exempt to Final LPGA Qualifying Tournament, but was unable to secure LPGA membership.
In Madison’s Words…
Looking back on it, that day is a blur. I remember teeing off, I remember birding the first hole, but the middle of the round is a blur! I knew no matter what the spread was between myself and the lead, I had to keep playing my game. It’s the only thing I can control.
On number 17, I hit my 7 iron to inches - honestly thought it was going to go in. Being able to go into 18 tied was all I could ask for. I had a pitching wedge into the 18th green, and must have had some serious adrenaline, because it went way to far! After making par on that hole and signing our scorecards, it was official that we tied and needed to go back to the 18th tee for a playoff. I didn't have a caddy, but did have my Clicgear push cart that I rely on all year! Calle Nielson was in charge of giving my sister and boyfriend live updates during the playoff, and I think they were all more nervous than I was! I hit my drive in the fairway in almost the exact same place as I did in regulation, so I knew to hit a club less. It still went about 20 feet past the hole and I was the first to putt, which is the best position. The week before in Battle Creek I had gotten a new Odyssey putter, and had felt so comfortable over the putter all week. It was no different under this pressure. The second the ball left the putter face I knew it was in. But still, even that was a blur! I had to watch a video replay to see exactly what happened. Friends who were watching said they said "oh crap, stop" as if it had too much speed, but I have to say I think it was perfect! I was so nervous watching her putt to tie me, and assumed she was going to make it. When the putt fell low a wave came over me. My friends rushed in to congratulate me and I realized a life long dream of winning a professional golf tournament had come true.Decatur was definitely a turning point in my year. I had struggled getting used to the professional golf life the first half of the season. Being in a different city every week was difficult for me to get used to, but luckily I had some of the best housing that I could have asked for. I had to figure out what practice schedule worked best for me so I wouldn't get tired come the weekend. And it definitely helped my confidence that I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. I have the game to play with the best of them, I'm just taking baby steps to get to that level.
I am so looking forward to playing on the Epson Tour next year. It is such a great time for the tour and I am so happy to be a part of it!!!
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