Beer Shower: Germany’s Masson holds on for first LPGA title at Manulife Classic
CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — Austin Ernst, Minjee Lee and world No. 1 Lydia Ko stood in a tight circle whispering to each other, occasionally glancing across the practice green at Caroline Masson.
Over on the 18th green, South Korea’s Mi Hyang Lee lined up her putt for birdie and took her shot. As soon as it rolled short of the hole a signal went up and Ernst, Minjee Lee and Ko pounced on their prey, pouring beers all over the surprised Masson.
Masson fired a 5-under 67 in the final round to rally and win her first LPGA title on Sunday, needing Mi Hyang Lee to miss her final putt to win the Manulife Classic. Pouring water over the winner of an LPGA event has become something of a tradition on the tour, but for Masson her colleagues put a little twist on it.
“I think they picked beer because I’m German. They figured I could take it,” said Masson, still visibly soaked. “It’s pretty sticky, and they had a lot of beer. I wish my shower was just a regular shower, but maybe I’m going to have that in a few minutes.