Laura Diaz was just about to have her worst season in four years until she finished birdie/birdie at the Mitchell Company LPGA Tournament of Champions last week to move into second place, earning her spots in the top 30 and the ADT Championship at Trump International.
“I really, really wanted to play this week,” said Diaz.
Once thought to be a rising star on the LPGA Tour, Diaz has suffered a few setbacks of late. After winning twice in 2002 and finishing seventh on the money list, Diaz injured her left ankle. She played through the pain and qualified for her first Solheim Cup, but had surgery in December to repair four tears in a tendon and one in a ligament.
“When the doctor opened it up, he didn’t know how I could play golf, let alone walk,” recalls Diaz.
Diaz had only one top ten in the first half of the 2004 season but came around in July when her regular caddie returned. She tied for fourth at the Giant Eagle Classic and had four top-10s over the final three months of the season, ending up at 27th on the money list.
“I could end the season knowing I played my heart out,” Diaz said. “I’m happy with my season, but I’m not happy with where I am on the money list. Unless you’re No. 1, I don’t think you can ever be satisfied.”
Good luck toppling Annika, Laura, and congratulations on a decent year.