The average LPGA career spans just a handful of years. In this timeline, making a decade-plus career without a victory is a testament to perseverance. When the 18th hole playoff-forcing putt dropped at the Chevron Championship, it represented more than just advancing to extra holes. For the LPGA veteran, it was validation for 11 years of grinding without a winner’s trophy.
Lindy Duncan faced a rollercoaster of emotions after her heartbreaking playoff loss. She couldn’t sleep Sunday night. Yet it wasn’t disappointment keeping her awake. “Sunday night, I really couldn’t sleep. I was so excited I couldn’t stop smiling,” she revealed at the Black Desert Championship. The 34-year-old veteran came tantalizingly close to victory.
She started the final round just one shot off the lead. Her clutch 12-foot putt on the 18th hole forced a historic five-player playoff. The roar from the crowd was deafening. “That is the loudest I have ever heard the crowd on the golf course,” Duncan recalled. Imagine picking up a club and ball, and everything just falls into place effortlessly? That’s precisely what happened for her.
She’s being remarkably candid about her mindset. “It’s hard, and it’s still really fresh. So my expectations are quite low to be honest with you,” she admitted during a post-round interview at the 2025 Black Desert Championship. This refreshing honesty highlights the mental challenge of recovering from near-victory. Most players might insist they’re ready to win again immediately. Not Duncan. She’s taking a measured approach to her game.
What a moment!
Lindy Duncan putts her way into the five-way playoff! pic.twitter.com/RHbM9YcKLp
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 27, 2025
Growing up in Fort Lauderdale, she discovered golf at age 9. Her journey was nothing short of remarkable. She reached the semi-finals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur at just 15. Her star continued rising at Duke University. She notched six collegiate wins and earned four-time first-team All-American honors. These achievements culminated in being named the 2012 NGCA Player of the Year. She turned professional in 2013 with high expectations, but that major breakthrough has remained elusive until her close call at Chevron.
Her runner-up finish earned Duncan an impressive $462,966 paycheck, according to USA Today. This substantial sum represents the most lucrative payday of her career. Yet despite this financial windfall, her outlook remains remarkably grounded. But, Duncan’s playoff attempt fell short. Her drive found the rough. This unfortunate position left her unable to reach the green in two. Her approach then landed against a brick wall. Despite taking free relief, she couldn’t save par, and dreams of victory slipped away.
So, Duncan maintains a humble perspective about her journey. Let’s review this in a gist.
Lindy Duncan’s performance up till the lead-up to the Chevron Championship
Duncan’s road to the Chevron playoff was filled with ups and downs. Her 2025 season began shakily with a missed cut at the Founders Cup. Things improved with a T12 finish at Blue Bay LPGA and a solo fifth at the Ford Championship, showing clear upward momentum.
The Chevron Championship represented her career peak. Four solid rounds, including an impressive second-round 66, put her in contention throughout. This marked remarkable progress for a player who had nearly lost her tour card the previous year, barely maintaining her LPGA status heading into 2025.
Despite collegiate success, Duncan faced professional challenges for years. Many expected immediate success from the Duke star, but she struggled. Now, her recent surge has vaulted her inside the top 50 in the Rolex Rankings. Her balanced focus on steady improvement could be the approach that finally carries her to the winner’s circle.
What do you think? Will Lindy Duncan’s measured expectations help or hurt her chances at capturing that elusive first LPGA victory?
The post ‘It’s Hard’ LPGA Pro Scales Down Expectations From Her Golf Despite $462,966 Paycheck From Chevron Championship appeared first on EssentiallySports.
