Mardi Lunn, Australian golfer

Mardi Lunn, born on January 9, 1968, is a distinguished Australian professional golfer whose career spanned multiple international tours. Her dedication and talent saw her compete at the highest levels of women's professional golf globally. Interestingly, golf appears to be a family calling, as her elder sister, Karen Lunn, also established a notable career as a professional golfer, even winning the Women's British Open in 1993 and topping the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit the same year. This makes the Lunn sisters a unique pair in Australian golf history.

Lunn's professional journey took her across various prominent circuits, showcasing her versatility and global reach. She competed extensively on the ALPG Tour (Australian Ladies Professional Golf), the premier tour for women golfers in Australia. Her international presence was significant, with consistent participation on both the LPGA Tour (Ladies Professional Golf Association), the pinnacle of women's professional golf primarily based in the United States, and the Ladies European Tour (LET), the leading professional tour for women in Europe. Throughout her career, Lunn amassed a commendable record of five victories worldwide, a testament to her consistent performance across different continents and competitive environments.

A Landmark LPGA Tour Victory and Historic Playoff

A significant highlight of Mardi Lunn's career was her solitary yet impactful victory on the prestigious LPGA Tour. In 1999, she triumphed at the Chick-fil-A Charity Championship, a testament to her skill and perseverance on one of golf's most competitive stages. This win solidified her status among the elite in women's golf.

The same year, Lunn was also a central figure in what remains one of the largest and most memorable playoffs in LPGA Tour history. At the 1999 Jamie Farr Kroger Classic (now known as the Marathon Classic), Lunn was one of six players who finished regulation play tied for the lead. This historic sudden-death playoff involved a star-studded field, including golf legends and multiple major champions such as Se Ri Pak and Karrie Webb, alongside Carin Koch, Sherri Steinhauer, and Kelli Kuehne. On the first playoff hole, Se Ri Pak, a future World Golf Hall of Famer, secured the victory with a birdie. Despite not winning, Lunn's participation in such an iconic and high-profile playoff alongside some of the sport's biggest names underscored her competitive prowess and ability to perform under immense pressure.

Transition to Caddie Role

Following her retirement from competitive play in 2006, Mardi Lunn chose to remain deeply involved in the sport she loves. She transitioned from player to caddie, offering her vast experience and course knowledge to fellow professionals. Lunn notably served as a caddie for fellow Australian golfer Lisa Hall on the Ladies European Tour, demonstrating her enduring passion for golf and her commitment to supporting other athletes in their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mardi Lunn

When was Mardi Lunn born?
Mardi Lunn was born on January 9, 1968.
Is Mardi Lunn's sister also a professional golfer?
Yes, her older sister, Karen Lunn, is also a professional golfer who notably won the Women's British Open in 1993 and the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit in the same year.
How many times did Mardi Lunn win on the LPGA Tour?
Mardi Lunn won once on the LPGA Tour, securing the Chick-fil-A Charity Championship in 1999.
What was the significance of Mardi Lunn's participation in the 1999 Jamie Farr Kroger Classic?
Mardi Lunn was one of six players involved in the largest sudden-death playoff in LPGA Tour history at the 1999 Jamie Farr Kroger Classic, competing against other prominent golfers including Se Ri Pak and Karrie Webb.
What has Mardi Lunn done since retiring from professional golf?
After retiring from competitive play in 2006, Mardi Lunn continued her involvement in golf as a caddie, notably for Lisa Hall on the Ladies European Tour.