South Korea’s Park In-Bee shot a superb final round of eight-under 64 to finish at 19-under 269 and capture her first title since her gold medal at last year’s Rio Olympics.
SINGAPORE: South Korea’s Park In-Bee put on a putting masterclass to win the LPGA’s Women’s Champions tournament on Sunday (Mar 5) after overnight leader Michelle Wie blew her chances when she four-putted for double bogey.
Park shot a superb final round of eight-under 64 to finish at 19-under 269 and capture her first title since her gold medal at last year’s Rio Olympics.
Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand finished second at 18-under after closing with a 66, while rising South Korean star Park Sung-Hyun was a further two strokes back in third after a fourth successive 68.
Wie led by two strokes after birdieing the third and fourth holes but lost her place at the top of the leaderboard when she four-putted from within 12 feet for a double-bogey 7 on the par-5th.
The American closed with a 72 to finish tied for fourth at 14-under alongside Canada’s Brooke Henderson (66) and last year’s winner Jang Ha-Na (69).
“Overall, I can’t complain, but right now it stings a little bit,” Wie said. “Obviously I wanted to walk away with the trophy, but there’s so many leaps and strides forward that I made this week. I’m really proud of myself. “
The world number one Lydia Ko also shot 72 in her last round to end up in joint ninth. The New Zealand teenager has not won since July last year, a drought by her normally impeccable standards, and is trying to find her best after switching her coach, caddie and clubs.
