Page 23 - Golf Champion - June 2021

ith a 3-foot putt on No. 17, American Ally Ewing who was in the gallery. “This week was unlike any other.
Wwon the inaugural Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play I'm definitely going to have to tape up the feet I think for
Hosted by Shadow Creek, taking a 2-and-1 victory over another week, but well worth it.”
Germany’s Sophia Popov for her second career LPGA In the battle of two likely Solheim Cup players, Ewing
Tour title. Ewing and Popov played through blazing hot struck first, winning the second hole at par to go 1 up.
conditions, with temperatures all week in the upper 90s, She converted birdie at No. 6 to go 2 up, a lead she carried
wowing the small gallery of invited family and guests through the 10th hole. At No. 11, Popov won with a par,
with a display of world-class golf on a similarly world- giving Ewing a 1-up lead that she held through No. 13.
class layout at Shadow Creek. At No. 14, the momentum swung in Ewing’s favor. From
“It was exhausting. I think I was limping in on the finish the front of the green, Ewing drained a 62-foot birdie
line really. Fatigue was definitely a factor. Four rounds of putt and when Popov’s attempt slid by to the right, Ewing
stroke play, 18, 18, 18, 18 is a grueling week, especially if regained her 2-up lead.
you're in contention,” said Ewing, who celebrated her first Popov’s tee shot at No. 15 found a hazard to the left, giving
wedding anniversary today with husband Charlie Ewing, her an unplayable lie. Ewing then sent her second shot

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