Dame Laura Davies Turns Back the Clock on LPGA Tour

Dame Laura Davies is deservedly regarded as being among the finest golfers that Britain has produced, and it was thrilling to watch her recapture that form at the Founders Cup, where she was battling to become the oldest winner on the LPGA Tour.

The 54-year-old had rolled back the clock on Saturday in Arizona, shooting a third-round of 63 to catapult her into contention to complete a historic triumph. Ultimately, despite a three-under 69, the Englishwoman finished in a tie for second, five shots back of the great Inbee Park, whose back-nine surge carried her to victory in the desert.

For Davies, it was her best result on the LPGA Tour in a decade. Her last victory on American soil came way back in 2001, with success in the years since being consigned to the Ladies European Tour. That said, 2010 was the last time we saw the World Golf Hall of Fame member win on this side of the Atlantic, so this performance was an unlikely – but much welcomed – return to form for a fine ambassador who has retained a belief in her game and ability to compete with the best.

“At 54 I still feel like I can hit the ball as well as most of the really good players out here,” Davies said. “I know I've been playing really well and I haven't had the results to reflect that.”

Laura Davies with an eagle! ????@LPGAfounders @LFCLJD pic.twitter.com/yHNk3FMPfm

— LPGA (@LPGA) March 18, 2018

“I'm just delighted the way the week has turned out,” reflected the four-time major winner with over 80 international victories.

“This is incredible, really. I was four-over after six holes and now I've finished tied second.

"Now people might stop asking me when I'm going to retire - that's the best thing about it.

“I can just go and play and see if I can get a few more top 10 finishes this year, because the more I get up there, I might have a chance of winning again.”

Laura Davies @LFCLJD has her best finish since she finished 2nd in 2007 at the @hondalpgath!

Hear more from her final round at @LPGAfounders: pic.twitter.com/v9NQ08kzGN

— LPGA (@LPGA) March 19, 2018

Beth Daniel (aged 46 in 2003) is the oldest winner on the LPGA Tour. Sam Snead holds the record on the PGA Tour aged 52 in 1965, while Miguel Angel Jimenez made history on the European Tour aged 50 in 2014. Davies would have surpassed each of those achievements, underlining just how impressive this thrilling run was. With any luck, it won’t be the last time we see Dame Laura contesting at the top.