History Repeating
Stacy Lewis defends her title this week at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, but it’s not the first time she’s been in this position. Lewis also won the event in 2012, one of four victories on the LPGA Tour that year.
Here’s a look back at what else was happening in the world of golf and other news in 2012.
Ko Becomes Youngest Winner on the LPGA Tour
Amateur Lydia Ko won the 2012 Canadian Pacific Women’s Open for her first win on the LPGA Tour. Her victory also made history with Ko becoming the youngest winner on the LPGA Tour at the age of 15.
“I don't think this win is all about me,” Ko said after her win. “I think it's contributed to everyone. You just can't play. From the start you need ‑‑ you've got your coach, your mom, your parents, your support crew. You need all of them, you know. It makes a whole lot of difference, and I want to give my win to them as well.”
Because she wasn’t yet a professional, Ko’s winner’s check went to runner-up Inbee Park.
Korda Wins Down Under
Jessica Korda survived a six-person playoff to win her first title, the 2012 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open. Korda won on the second playoff hole, defeating Stacy Lewis, Brittany Lincicome, Julieta Granada, So Yeon Ryu and Hee Kung Seo.
McIlroy Goes On a Roll
Rory McIlroy became the number one ranked player in the world in 2012 with his victory at the Honda Classic. He went winless throughout much of the season until something clicked for him in the Fall, going on to win the PGA Championship then two FedEx Cup Playoff Events, The Deutsche Bank Championship and BMW Championship in back to back weeks.
“To be honest, I feel like it's just coming to me naturally, and as I said before, the more that you're in that position, the more you're able to do it,” McIlroy said after winning the BMW Championship. “You feel more comfortable doing it. That's basically it.”
McIlroy swept the season ending awards, winning PGA Tour Player of the Year, PGA Player of the Year, Leading Money Winner, Vardon Trophy and Byron Nelson Award.
In Other News
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow stunned fans with a career high 316 yards and two touchdowns to lift the Broncos over the Steelers to a 29-23 victory in the first round of the NFL Playoffs. Super Bowl XLVI became the most viewed television program at that time, with 166.8 million viewers as Eli Manning and the Giants defeated the New England Patriots. Mark Zuckerberg and the team at Facebook celebrated reaching one billion users in 2012.
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