2024 Dana Open: These 5 names could produce a surprise

Underdog stories are among the most compelling in sports, drawing in outside observers for the cinematic quality.

The Dana Open has not been averse to underdogs, with several winners coming out of nowhere to capture their maiden LPGA Tour victory.

It wouldn’t shock anyone if 2024 followed a similar script. Olympic years create constricted, circuitous schedules. And 2024 is no different, as the Paris Games loom. Thus, a less-accomplished field is in town this week, increasing the likelihood of an unexpected or first-time winner.

Here are the candidates.

■ Mi Hyang Lee: Birdies (and eagles) are critical in winning the Dana Open, and no one in the field has more birdies than Lee’s 198 this season. She ranks fourth on the LPGA Tour in birdies and also has the seventh-most eagles (six). Lee’s Dana Open record is not great. Curiously, she has two WDs. Her best finish was tied for 18th in 2015, her only top 20.

■ Stephanie Kyriacou: The Aussie nearly won her first major championship last week, finishing second in the Evian Championship. That alone is proof that her recent form is good enough to win this week. And she tied for fourth in last year’s Dana Open.

■ Esther Henseleit: The German has only played in the Dana Open three times, but she has a fourth-place finish and a T16 on her resume. She tied for seventh last week at the Evian and has three total top 10s this season.

■ Carlota Ciganda: The 2023 Solheim Cup hero is in the midst of her 12th LPGA Tour season, and she is not exhibiting any signs of slowing down. She has nine worldwide top 10s dating to last June. Despite being one of the most consistent players on tour, Ciganda hasn’t won since 2016. During that span, she has won four times on the Ladies European Tour. She has never missed the cut at Highland Meadows, and she has three top 12s in six appearances.

■ Gemma Dryburgh: Sometimes you just have a feeling, and that’s how I can best describe Dryburgh being on the list. The Scot had missed four consecutive cuts before last week’s top-20 finish in France. She’s made the cut in three of her five Dana Open appearances, finishing T19, T30, and T50.