Madelene Sagstrom defeated Lauren Coughlin in the championship match at the T-Mobile Match Play. This victory is her first on the LPGA Tour in more than five years! The incredible match concluded with a dramatic 1-up victory at Shadow Creek. Sagstrom exhibited some remarkable gumption by coming back from what would have been one of the worst-ever losses of a four-hole lead during the match.
That final championship match played out in thrilling fashion, with Sagstrom building a quick lead. She extended her lead to four holes after just six, taking advantage of a Coughlin bogey on the sixth hole. The battle was truly just beginning as Coughlin surged, cutting the deficit and putting pressure on Sagstrom to test her nerves.
From her opening round to her playoff win, Sagstrom proved that she is highly skilled and fiercely competitive. Before taking on Coughlin, she advanced by outlasting a brutal 19-hole round-of-16 match against Carlota Ciganda on Saturday. Following that intense match, she had to wait more than two hours for the semifinal results as Celine Boutier and Ashleigh Buhai battled through 28 holes. Sagstrom followed that with a 4 and 2 win over Angel Yin, the 12th seed, in their semifinal match to earn her place in the final.
In the final match against Coughlin, Sagstrom regained control with a crucial par at the par-5 16th hole, ensuring she held the lead for good. Her triumph brought to an end a dreary 44-year stretch without a championship. Beyond that, it further solidified her place as one of the most fearsome opponents on tour. The entire tournament, Sagstrom played a combined 127 holes, proving her stamina and focus in each contest.
This most recent victory increases Sagstrom’s career total to two wins. Her last victory came at the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio way back in 2020. Lily winning the T-Mobile Match Play is a huge victory in her young professional career. It shows her growth as an athlete and the high-level golfer she’s become.
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