Paula Creamer’s past two seasons on the LPGA Tour have been undeniably difficult. With just one cut made in 21 events, the numbers reflect a veteran athlete caught in transition—juggling motherhood, battling injuries, and striving for one more run at success
While the odds may seem steep, if anyone can mount a comeback, it’s the “Pink Panther.” Her dedication, experience, and passion for the game have carried her before.
Whether 2025 brings resurgence or reflection, Creamer’s legacy in women’s golf remains secure. The journey continues, and for now, fans will be watching—hoping—for one more moment of Creamer magic.
Fifteen years after Paula Creamer’s iconic victory at Oakmont, the return of the U.S. Women’s Open to the storied course has brought back not only fond memories but also profound reflections.
Through an old photo and a few thoughtful words, fans were reminded why golf matters — not just as sport, but as story, as memory, and as metaphor.
Creamer may not be teeing it up in 2025, but her presence will be felt — in the Church Pews, in the galleries, and in the hearts of those who remember that sometimes, a prayer in the sand is just the start of something unforgettable.
Also Read: Are Paula Creamer And Boyfriend Shane Kennedy Married? LPGA Star Relationship Details
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Paula Creamer’s Timeless Moment at Oakmont Resurfaces Ahead of 2025 U.S. Women’s Open
With the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open returning to the legendary Oakmont Country Club, an evocative photo of Paula Creamer from 15 years ago has resurfaced and captured the imagination of the golf world once again.1
The image, originally published by Golfweek and shared by senior writer Beth Ann Nichols, features Creamer kneeling in a prayer-like pose within Oakmont’s infamous Church Pews bunker — a blend of humor, reverence, and grit that encapsulates both her personality and the venue’s intensity.
A Glimpse into History: The 2010 U.S. Women’s Open at Oakmont
The photo was taken during the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open, a tournament Creamer would go on to win, marking the peak of her career.
At the time, the 23-year-old was already a fan favorite, known for her trademark pink attire and fierce competitive spirit.
That victory at Oakmont not only solidified her standing in women’s golf but also served as her lone major championship title — a defining moment both personally and professionally.
Oakmont, considered one of the toughest courses in the U.S., features deep bunkers, lightning-fast greens, and punishing rough. For Creamer to triumph there in such dramatic fashion made the image of her sitting contemplatively among the Church Pews all the more iconic.
Please @AmericanAir we just want to get home to our baby girl!! Soooo many delays!!! Not fun.
— Paula Creamer (@ThePCreamer) December 21, 2024
Beth Ann Nichols Shares the Image and Story Behind It
As the tournament returns to Oakmont in 2025, Nichols dug into the archives to reshare the now-legendary photo.
She posted it on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption:
“Fifteen years ago at Oakmont, @golfweek did a walk-n-talk with Paula Creamer early week, and we somehow convinced her to pose in the church pew bunkers. Colleague Mike Wolfe took this amazing photo. Creamer, of course, went on to win.”
The photograph captures a playful and prayerful Creamer — part tongue-in-cheek, part poetic homage to the mental toll and spiritual trials demanded by Oakmont. The post quickly gained traction, resonating with longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Paula Creamer: Oakmont’s Church Pews
An Enduring Symbol of Golf’s Demands
The Church Pews bunker is one of the most recognizable and unforgiving hazards in golf.2
Spanning between the third and fourth fairways, the bunker features a series of 13 narrow grassy ridges that create deep, compartmentalized sand traps. Getting stuck in the Pews often results in a stroke or two lost — if not more.
Creamer’s pose — hands clasped, eyes closed — almost prophetically reflected the prayers many golfers likely mutter when faced with such a perilous feature.
In a sport where mental toughness is paramount, the Church Pews represent both a strategic obstacle and a psychological test.
Brandel Chamblee’s Poetic Commentary
Among those who responded to the resurfaced image was Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee, known for his eloquence and sometimes controversial takes. Chamblee reshared the image and penned a memorable line:
“The church pews, where prayer and profanity meet in tumultuous tussle.”
Chamblee’s comment adds another layer of meaning to the photo. His words underscore the duality of Oakmont’s challenge — the reverence golfers have for its history, and the inevitable frustration it provokes.
The phrase “prayer and profanity” neatly encapsulates the emotional extremes experienced during championship golf at such a venue.
Paula Creamer’s Career Comes Full Circle
Though she won’t be competing in the 2025 LPGA season, Creamer remains a prominent figure in women’s golf.3
After giving birth to her first child in 2022 and returning for a short stint on the LPGA Tour in 2024, she announced she would not participate in the upcoming season. However, her influence isn’t waning — far from it.
She has been tapped to captain the 2026 U.S. Solheim Cup team, a role that signals not only respect for her achievements but also trust in her leadership and experience.
For a generation of American players and fans, Creamer represents the transition from fierce competitor to wise mentor.
The Emotional Pull of Nostalgia in Sports
Part of what makes the reappearance of this photo so powerful is the timing. As Oakmont gears up to host another major, the sport finds itself looking both forward and backward — honoring tradition while preparing for a new crop of stars.
The image of Creamer sitting in the Church Pews is not just a visual gag or an Instagrammable moment. It’s a symbol of the emotional depth of golf, the highs and lows etched into memory by moments of solitude, celebration, and perseverance.
It also captures something rare: an athlete in total alignment with the moment, showing vulnerability and strength simultaneously. For fans who remember 2010, it’s a welcome flashback. For younger viewers, it’s an invitation to explore the game’s history.
Women’s Golf on the Rise: A New Generation, Rooted in Legacy
As the LPGA continues to grow — with increased prize money, media exposure, and global recognition — moments like Creamer’s 2010 win take on added significance.
They’re not just career milestones; they’re building blocks for the sport’s future.
In 2025, when players like Nelly Korda, Rose Zhang, and Atthaya Thitikul walk Oakmont’s fairways, they’ll do so under the gaze of history — and perhaps the silent blessing of past champions like Creamer. Nichols’ photo, in this context, serves as a bridge between eras.
Social Media’s Role in Preserving Golf’s Cultural Touchstones
What makes this story particularly modern is the role social media played in reviving it.
Without Nichols’ post and Chamblee’s poetic take, the photo may have remained buried in an archive. Instead, a new generation of fans was introduced to Creamer’s charm and the mystique of Oakmont.
It’s a reminder that while golf is steeped in tradition, it’s also increasingly shaped by digital storytelling. A single tweet can reignite conversation, stir memory, and connect fans across decades.
Also Read: From Golf Exec to LPGA Boss: Craig Kessler’s Journey and Bold Plans Ahead
Paula Creamer’s Last Two Seasons on the LPGA Tour
A Closer Look at Her Performance in 2023 and 2024
Paula Creamer, once one of the brightest stars in women’s golf, has faced immense challenges in the last two seasons on the LPGA Tour.
A former U.S. Women’s Open champion and nine-time LPGA winner, Creamer’s career has been one of brilliance, resilience, and recently, struggle.
In both 2023 and 2024, her results have reflected a stark contrast from her peak years, as she battles to regain her form and compete at the highest level.
Struggles in 2024: A Year Without a Weekend
2024 has been especially tough for Paula Creamer. Participating in eight events so far, she missed the cut in seven and withdrew from one. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been able to advance to weekend play in any of the tournaments.
LPGA Drive On Championship (Bradenton Country Club)
Creamer began her 2024 campaign with back-to-back rounds of 72, finishing at +2 and missing the cutline. While consistent, her score wasn’t enough to survive a competitive field.
Blue Bay LPGA (Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course)
She followed with rounds of 73 and 74, totaling +3. Again, the scores weren’t disastrous but lacked the low numbers needed to make the cut.
FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship (Palos Verdes Golf Club)
At a venue where she had some familiarity, Creamer shot 72 and 74. Her total of 146 (+4) fell short, continuing the trend of narrowly missing cuts.
Ford Championship Presented by KCC (Seville Golf & Country Club)
Despite carding her best cumulative score of the season at 143 (-1), she still missed the cut. This was perhaps her most disheartening result, showing a glimpse of form but receiving no reward.
T-Mobile Match Play Presented by MGM Rewards (Shadow Creek Golf Course)
This event saw her worst performance of the season, with rounds of 76 and 79, totaling 155 (+11). It was a significant drop in form and highlighted her inconsistency.
JM Eagle LA Championship (Wilshire Country Club)
Returning to Wilshire, where she had competed in 2023, Creamer shot 76 and 74. Her +8 total wasn’t close to the weekend mark.
Cognizant Founders Cup (Upper Montclair Country Club)
Creamer struggled again with rounds of 77 and 74 for a +7 total. The cutline was out of reach early in the tournament.
Mizuho Americas Open (Liberty National Golf Club)
After an opening round of 76, Creamer withdrew from the event, marking her second mid-tournament exit in two years at this venue.
Paula Creamer: Mentorship
Paula Creamer become the mentor of Evan McKnight Racing and provides all kinds of support during the NASCAR journey.
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Highlights and Hurdles in 2023: A Lone Weekend Appearance
Compared to 2024, the 2023 season offered Paula Creamer a small highlight. Out of 13 events, she made the cut in only one tournament—the DIO Implant LA Open—where she secured a T54 finish.
Best Performance: DIO Implant LA Open
Held at Palos Verdes Golf Club, Creamer shot 72-71-69-73, finishing at 285 (+1). This performance was her only made cut in 2023, and it showed she still had flashes of competitive form. Her third-round 69 was particularly encouraging.
Consistent Misses Across the Board
Despite the lone success, Creamer missed the cut in 11 tournaments and withdrew from another. The missed cuts included events at familiar courses such as Wilshire, Liberty National, and Upper Montclair.
Some notable missed cuts:
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Dana Open: Opened with a promising 69 but followed with a disappointing 78 to miss the cut at +5.
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CPKC Women’s Open: Finished +10 over two rounds with 76 and 78.
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Mizuho Americas Open: Carded a disastrous 80 in the second round to miss the cut by a wide margin.
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The ANNIKA Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican: Her 76 and 71 were not enough to see the weekend.
Withdrawals and Physical Setbacks
Creamer’s withdrawal from the Cognizant Founders Cup with an even-par score suggested either injury or fatigue played a role. Combined with her 2024 Mizuho WD, questions about her physical condition remain relevant.
Statistical Overview: Two Seasons of Struggle
When assessing Paula Creamer’s overall LPGA performance in 2023 and 2024, the numbers are stark:
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2023 Events Played: 13
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2023 Cuts Made: 1
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2023 Withdrawals: 1
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2023 Best Finish: T54 (+1)
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2024 Events Played: 8
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2024 Cuts Made: 0
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2024 Withdrawals: 1
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2024 Best Performance: 143 (-1) at the Ford Championship (Still missed cut)
In 21 tournaments over two seasons, Creamer has only completed four full tournaments, making the cut in just one.
What’s Behind Paula Creamer’s Decline?
There are a few potential factors contributing to Paula Creamer’s current form:
Injuries and Time Away
Creamer has dealt with various injuries over her career, including wrist and back issues. These ailments have contributed to lengthy absences from the tour and disrupted her rhythm and consistency.
Becoming a Mother
In 2022, Creamer welcomed her first child. Balancing motherhood with the demands of professional golf is no easy task. The travel schedule, practice routines, and competitive mindset required may have been affected.
Swing Changes and Rust
Like many players seeking a return to form, Creamer has reportedly worked on swing modifications. However, the lack of competitive rounds can make it difficult to trust these changes under pressure.
Rising Competition on the LPGA Tour
The LPGA has never been more competitive, with younger players from around the world raising the bar. For a veteran like Creamer, staying competitive amid rising talent is an enormous challenge.
The Road Ahead: Can Creamer Make a Comeback?
Despite recent results, Paula Creamer remains one of the more recognizable names in women’s golf. Her career resume speaks for itself, and her resilience has been a key feature of her journey.
Possible Avenues for a Return
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Sponsor Exemptions: Her name recognition and past success may continue to earn her sponsor invites, allowing her to play select events without going through qualifying.
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Focused Scheduling: Creamer may benefit from a lighter, more strategic schedule focused on courses where she’s previously had success.
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Mental Reset: Taking a break from tournament play to work on her mental and physical game could aid her return.
Support from the Golf Community
Creamer still enjoys support from fans and fellow professionals. Many hope she can defy the odds and find form reminiscent of her championship-winning days.
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