Live From the LPGA Ford Championship with Bailey Tardy

In today’s episode of the T-Time with Tori podcast, host Tori sits down with rising LPGA star Bailey Tardy to discuss her incredible journey from the brink of giving up on her dreams to becoming a force to be reckoned with on the golf course. Bailey's story is one of perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering belief in oneself, even in the face of adversity.

The Road to the LPGA

Bailey's path to the LPGA was not a smooth one. After turning pro in 2019, she found herself struggling to make ends meet while playing on the Epson Tour. Despite the challenges, Bailey refused to give up on her dream.

"I was broke. I didn't have any money. I had to figure out something to have money in my pocket. I had to pay rent. And then I had to pay for food," Bailey reveals.

To make ends meet, Bailey took on various jobs during the off-season, including working at a brewery and a golf course. However, balancing work and practice proved to be a daunting task.

The Turning Point

After three years of coming close to earning her LPGA card, Bailey found herself at a crossroads. She decided to give Q-School one last shot, and if she didn't succeed, she was prepared to walk away from the game.

Determined to give it her all, Bailey ramped up her preparation, spending countless hours on the course and in the gym. Her hard work paid off when she finished second at Q-School, earning her LPGA card and a new lease on her golfing career.

The Rookie Season

Entering her rookie season on the LPGA Tour, Bailey faced a new set of challenges. Unfamiliar with the courses and the other players, she felt like a fish out of water.

 "It's like being thrown into this ocean and not knowing any direction to go in, but just you kind of find your footing after a couple of weeks," Bailey explains.

Despite the initial struggles, Bailey persevered, learning to navigate the rigors of life on the LPGA Tour. She credits her caddy with helping her stay calm and focused, even in the most pressure-packed situations.

The U.S. Open at Pebble Beach

Bailey's breakout moment came at the 2022 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. After qualifying through a grueling 36-hole playoff, she found herself in contention heading into the weekend.

 "I was so nervous on the weekend, and I'm really proud of the way I handled myself the entire week. I don't think I showed how nervous I really actually was, but I mean, I like couldn't form sentences. I couldn't even do simple math trying to figure out the yardages," Bailey recounts.

Despite the nerves, Bailey held her own, finishing in a tie for fourth place. The experience taught her valuable lessons about handling pressure and believing in herself on the biggest stages.

The First LPGA Win

Just two weeks before her appearance on the Tee Time with Tori podcast, Bailey claimed her first LPGA victory at the Blue Bay LPGA. Playing alongside the legendary Lydia Ko in the final round, Bailey showcased her incredible ball-striking abilities and mental fortitude.

"I was just telling myself to stay patient, like, we were, I mean, competing in the same group on a Saturday, so clearly I was playing just as good as her," Bailey recalls.

In a thrilling finish, Bailey outdueled Ko to secure the win, a testament to her growth as a player and her unwavering belief in her abilities.

Advice for Aspiring Golfers

When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Bailey emphasizes the importance of not getting caught up in the moment and enjoying life off the course.

She also stresses the significance of finding balance and doing things that bring joy, even in the midst of the grind of professional golf.

"It's just doing things off the golf course that make you enjoy what you're doing because it can be hard out here. It can be lonely and sad, especially when you're not playing great. As long as you're doing things that make you happy and smile and enjoying the day, then being on the road isn't that bad," Bailey shares.

The Road Ahead

With her first LPGA win under her belt and a newfound confidence in her abilities, Bailey Tardy is poised for a bright future on the tour. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring golfers everywhere, proving that with hard work, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude, anything is possible.

As she looks ahead to the rest of the season and beyond, Bailey remains focused on her goals and grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead.

"I'm just very happy. I stuck to it, and it's been a long road. Yeah, I have a long road ahead of me," Bailey reflects.

With her talent, work ethic, and positive outlook, there's no doubt that Bailey Tardy will continue to make her mark on the LPGA Tour for years to come. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams can come true with perseverance and an unwavering belief in oneself.

Key Takeaways

- Perseverance and dedication are essential for success in the face of adversity

- Finding balance and enjoying life off the course is crucial for maintaining a positive outlook

- Believing in oneself and staying patient are key to performing under pressure

- Hard work and preparation pay off in the long run

- Never give up on your dreams, even when the road ahead seems daunting

As we follow Bailey Tardy's journey on the LPGA Tour, we can all learn from her example and apply these lessons to our own lives, both on and off the course. With her infectious positive attitude and her incredible talent, Bailey is sure to inspire a new generation of golfers to chase their dreams and never give up, no matter the obstacles they may face.

Connect with Bailey: 

Instagram