By: Max Bechtoldt
Those who have been watching the LPGA Tour closely have been waiting for one of the most exciting players in the world, Polly Mack, to put it all together. On Thursday in Portland, she did.
Mack shot an incredible -9 in her opening round, giving her a one-stroke lead at the moment, though still much of the field has to finish their rounds.
Predictably, the 25-year-old German used her power to really dominate the field in round one, averaging 284 yards off the tee in route to seven birdies and one eagle. Mack did not make a bogey. For those unaware, Mack leads the tour in driving distance in 2024.
If driving distance alone won events though, Mack wouldn’t still be searching for her first. This season she ranks No. 142 in strokes gained putting and No. 137 in strokes gained around the green. On Thursday, Mack had just 25 putts and hit 14 greens. She ranks No. 92 in greens in regulation this season.
Regardless on how the rest of the week goes, this is an encouraging start for a player that has missed 10 cuts this season, but clearly has the talent to compete. She will be in the coverage window tomorrow, and her game is must-see TV.
