Beyond a tremendous golfer, Ally McDonald was a tremendous competitor, ambassador and friend to many on Tour in her rookie season. For those reasons and more, she was voted – by her peers – to receive the Heather Wilbur Spirit Award. She was presented with the award by fellow professionals Madison Pressel, a member of the Peer Advisory Group (PAG) and one of her best friends, Emma Talley, at the Tour card ceremony.
The Heather Wilbur Spirit Award was established in 2003 in honor of former Epson Tour player Heather Wilbur, who lost her battle with leukemia in 2003. Wilbur was also the first recipient of the award. The award honors the player that best exemplifies dedication, courage, perseverance and love of the game and spirit toward achieving goals as a professional golfer.
“It means so much to me that I received the Heather Wilbur Spirit Award,” said McDonald. “Anytime you’re nominated, much less voted for an award like this, it really brings things into perspective. I can’t thank the girls of the Tour enough for voting for me, and I hope to have the same impact on the LPGA Tour next year.”
McDonald embodied all of those qualities – dedication, courage, perseverance, love of the game and spirit toward achieving goals as a professional golfer. She had this amazing zest for the game and genuinely loved to compete. At the same time, she also had this calm about her where she could care and respect her fellow competitors.
“She’s one of the most humble people I have ever met, she’s my best friend, she’s encouraging, always has a smile on her face and she is always willing to make a difference in others lives,” said Talley while presenting the award. “I can’t wait to see her impact on the next level. She’s going to make a huge impact on the LPGA – not just on the course, but off the course.”
The 23-year-old had an incredible first season as a professional. She posted eight top 10 finishes and closed second on the Volvik Race for the Card money list. With a second place finish at the Epson Tour Championship, she became the second player in Tour history to cross $100,000 in earnings.
"My rookie year on the Epson Tour was a learning experience,” said McDonald. "Once my mom got on the bag in South Bend, I started to step up and play more how I am capable of playing. I’ve had a lot of fun experiencing this new life of being a professional.”
Past recipients of the award include: Casey Grice (2015), Min Seo Kwak (2014), Melissa Eaton (2013), Nicole Jeray (2012), Izzy Beisiegel (2011), Mo Martin (2010), Malinda Johnson (2009), Katie Fraley (2008), Jenny Hansen (2007), Katie Connelly (2006), Salimah Mussani (2005), Lindsay Wright (2004) and Heather Wilbur (2003).
Past Recipients
- 2016 – Ally McDonald
- 2015 – Casey Grice
- 2014 – Min Seo Kwak
- 2013 – Melissa Eaton
- 2012 – Nicole Jeray
- 2011 – Izzy Beisiegel
- 2010 – Mo Martin
- 2009 – Malinda Johnson
- 2008 – Katie Fraley
- 2007 – Jenny Hansen
- 2006 – Katie Connelly
- 2005 – Salimah Mussani
- 2004 – Lindsay Wright
- 2003 – Heather Wilbur
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