
Early in the week of the Cambia Portland Classic, when smoke from the Oregon wildfires wiped out practice and trimmed the tournament to 54 holes, LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan tweeted:
“Hey 2020 – that all you got?? Virus, quarantine, borders, air quality, extreme temps, limited travel, no fans, etc. No worries – you can’t stop @LPGA ! We #DriveOn – 70 years & never stronger!”
As if to prove Whan’s point, the Tour’s passage through the Pacific Northwest served up more than its share of excitement, needing two holes beyond the planned 54 before Georgia Hall topped Ashleigh Buhai on Sunday.
“I was pretty nervous the last six holes and definitely in the playoff, but I'm really happy to get the job done,” Hall said after securing the victory on the second extra hole. “I'm happy to get over the line and get my first American win.”
Hall, who started the final round four strokes behind leader Mel Reid, closed with a 68 to complete three rounds at 12-under-par 204. Buhai was even better in the final round, finishing with a 65 to erase a seven-stroke deficit and earn a spot in the playoff.