Story No. 11: Wei-Ling Hsu Wins the Biggest Event of the Year
There was a buzz around the Self Regional Healthcare Foundation Women’s Health Classic in Greenwood, S.C. amongst the players. Why? The tournament held the first $200,000 purse in the history of the Epson Tour and the winner would get a $30,000 paycheck, which would go a long way towards an LPGA Tour card.
It was an LPGA Tour off week and the field was loaded – Kim Kaufman, Reilley Rankin, Joanna Klatten, Alejandra Llaneza all came back from the LPGA to play the event.
The course also played really difficult that week – only seven total players finished under par.
Hsu used a 4-under 68 to cruise to a five shot win over Min Seo Kwak, Marta Silva and Klatten. Hsu was the only player in the field to card two rounds in the 60’s.
Sunday was Mother’s Day and Hsu’s caddie was none-other than her mom.
Hsu had four total top-10 finishes on the year, but the win in Greenwood was what carried her to an LPGA Tour card.
In Wei-Ling’s Words…
I won the biggest event in Greenwood. That was so important for me. The big win let my ranking go straight to top 4 and it helped me get an LPGA card. The LPGA Tour is such a big Tour around the world – it is a dream come true.
On the last day in Greenwood it was Mother’s Day and my mom was still my caddie. Family always comes first for me. So on that day, I told myself… “today is Mother’s Day, so I can not be angry. I hope I can enjoy the game and I’m happy to be able to speak to my mom.”
In a five hour round, we say a lot of funny things. We talked about my dad, my brother and my dog. We also talked about where our next vacation in the U.S. will be. The most important moment was on the 18th hole. I made eagle on that hole to finish the event and I got a big trophy. When we were done with everything at the course we drove back to my friend’s house in North Carolina. We were so happy to win this tournament. We kept laughing and talking with my family and friends all night.
We don’t celebrate Mother’s Day in my country, but I think my mom looked so happy on that day. And because of the win, I had so many people ask my mom “How does it feel that your daughter won on Mother’s Day?”
)
)
)
)
