Angela Stanford remains full of belief that she can become the first LPGA Tour player ever to reach 100 consecutive starts at a Major championship – but suggested once she does it, that could well be the end of her playing days.
The 2018 Evian Championship winner is teeing it up in her 98th straight Major at this week’s Chevron Championship – with top-five results in each of the five biggest events – and will be looking to better her T3 from 2011 at Mission Hills in the process.
She turned professional in 2000 before quickly making her way onto the LPGA Tour the following season. Since then, Stanford has won a Major championship plus six regular tour titles, reached World No. 9, and banked over $12 million in career earnings.
In addition, the Forth Worth, Texas-born player has represented her country a total of eight times across the Solheim Cup and Lexus Cup – going on to be assistant captain at the 2023 Solheim Cup and retaining her role for 2024’s contest.
But arguably the most impressive achievement of all is Stanford’s record of consecutive Majors. Beginning at the 2002 McDonald’s LPGA Championship, she has competed in every single one since – dodging injury and bad luck in the process. For that, Stanford passed on her hearty thanks to trainer, Dan Riley.
Angela Stanford set to play in her 98th consecutive major. #roadto100 pic.twitter.com/8n89d65oscApril 16, 2024
Dan, whose father Paul worked for Chevron, was given a Chevron-funded scholarship as a child of one of its employees. And in a full-circle moment, he helped Stanford reach No. 98.
She said: “You know, it kind of seems like a dream sometimes. I feel very blessed. I haven’t had — I’ve had one major injury and it came at the end of 2018.
“This is where I’m going to plug my trainer. He’s been with me since 2004. Actually, his father worked for Chevron forever. My trainer, Dan, was a recipient of one of the scholarships that Chevron gives to their employees’ children.
“My trainer told me that I was like, no way. He’s like, yeah. It’s kind of cool, because without him I don’t think my body would’ve held up. So I’ve been very blessed. Again, one big injury at the end of 2018, but other than that, yeah, feels like a dream sometimes.”
Angela Stanford holds the Evian Championship trophy and looks to the sky…
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