The conditions were not ideal for a day on the golf course, but as the rain poured down at Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club Saturday afternoon; Ha Na Jang won the 2016 Coates Golf Championship. She finished -11 for her first LPGA victory. Upon sinking a birdie putt for the victory, Ha Na turned her putter into a samurai sword in what could go down as one of the greatest sports celebrations of all time.
Ha Na Jang’s Samurai Ceremony Celebration after her winning putt @CoatesGolfChamp pic.twitter.com/dYnNBFq1W6
— LPGA (@LPGA) February 6, 2016
The Final Round
The weather was expected to cooperate throughout the 3rd and 4th round on Saturday, but it did not. Lydia Ko was in charge for most of the final round and the 2nd year LPGA golfer Brooke Henderson moved in solo second with a 5 under par, 67. Lydia Ko would eventually give up first place to Ha Na Jang finishing tied for 3rd and Brooke Henderson would finish in second.
Activities for Fans
The PRO-AM took place Tuesday, February 2nd with some pretty famous armatures coming out to play like The Ol’ Ball Coach Steve Spurrier. There were plenty of new activities to do during this year’s Coates Golf Championship, such as a new Craft Beer Festival. Fans could play a round of golf while enjoying sample tastings from 18 different local, regional and national breweries. There were also several food trucks on site to provide food for fans. We gave away sleeves of golf balls and a brand new driver during our #RLDrives social media contest.
R+L Carriers would like to thanks Coates Golf, The LPGA, Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club and all of the other sponsors and volunteers who made this year’s tournament a success. It’s a wonderful experience to be the title sponsor of this great event, and we look forward to presenting the event again next year!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for photos of the event. Check out our Storify with some of the best fan interaction from social media too!
- Fans at the Coates Golf Championship.
- A variety of food trucks were on hand for fans during the tournament.
- LPGA golfer Suzann Pettersen.
- Fans braved the pouring rain to watch the finale of the Coates Golf Championship.
- Crowds following the gallery.
- LPGA golfer Candie Kung playing the 18th hole during the Coates Golf Championship.
- Ha Na Jang is the winner of the 2016 Coates Golf Championship.
- Ha Na Jang with the winners trophy.
- LPGA Golfer Austin Ernst at hole 8.
- The 18th hole at Golden Ocala.
- Steve Spurrier participating in the Pro-AM.
- The R+L Carriers Expedited truck.