One thing has remained consistent this week at Shadow Creek. If you are betting, it is probably best to fade these. Madelene Sagström and Lauren Coughlin won their morning matches. They got here in different ways though, with Sagström dominating her match against Angel Yin while Coughlin grinded out a win against a falling Ariya Jutanugarn.
I like Madelene Sagström in the finals matchup. She has won out in two phenomenal matches against strong match play opponents, Celine Boutier and Carlota Ciganda, in 19 holes. She is undefeated on the week, coming out of a group that included Patty Tavatanakit and Minjee Lee, two major champions that are tough outs.
In the third round, she was really never in danger against the excellent Angel Yin, taking a large lead early and putting it into cruise control across the back nine. She has of course played a whole lot of golf, but it hasn’t shown in her game, which has looked as strong as I’ve ever seen it on tour. Her ball-striking of course was as strong as usual, but she has also hit some really timely putts. Sagström has always been a player with high upside, particularly in match play. I think we see her clinch her second title in her career.
Coughlin has played tough matches all week, none more than her final match against the great Ariya Jutanugarn. Coughlin was three down through seven holes and it stayed true for most of the match. Going into hole 16, Coughlin was down two, but Jutanugarn couldn’t find a good shot, losing the last three holes.
This feels like a fascinating finals match. Sunday afternoon should be fantastic on Golf Channel.
