Happy 28th Birthday Ally McDonald! It was quite a party.
The talented golfer from Mississippi earned her first LPGA Tour victory on Sunday in front of her family and scores of boaters, kayakers, and jet skis anchored in the cove off Great Waters' 18th hole.
"It's the best birthday present ever," McDonald said as she walked off the final green at 16 under par to receive champagne showers after becoming a Rolex First-Time winner. The four-year LPGA Tour player said she was proud of the resiliency she showed over the final holes to win by one stroke over five-time LPGA Tour winner Danielle Kang.
Great Waters and its magnificent Lake Oconee shoreline shone all week for the best women golfers in the world. Aerial footage showcased during 12 hours of Golf Channel coverage proved to be a hit with viewers and golf fans worldwide — not to mention players' reactions to the course and spectators who formed an on-the-water gallery of pontoon boats, jet skis and other leisure crafts.
"Since quarantine we haven't had any fans," said Lydia Ko, "so it's nice here, especially on the back nine by the water. A lot of these people with their boats are coming out and clapping for us. It's always nice to kind of feel like we're playing in front of crowds again."
"You can definitely feel the southern hospitality here," added Katherine Kirk. "Considering this is our very first time at Reynolds Lake Oconee, it's amazing. Maybe Mike Whan [LPGA Tour Commissioner and Reynolds Lake Oconee member] gave them a head's up to come out and cheer for us. Who knows? It's fun to see this many people out on their boats , coming out from their houses, and just staking a chair on the out-of-bounds lines."
Rookie sensation Bianca Pagdanganan, who finished two shots behind McDonald, was one of many pros impressed by the Jack Nicklaus-designed course.
