LYDIA Ko’s right-to-left birdie putt at the 15th hole put her ahead for good Sunday, as the New Zealander outlasted Danielle Kang to win the Gainbridge Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) at Boca Raton, FL.
Ko held at least a share of the lead after every round at Boca Rio Golf Club en route to securing her 17th LPGA Tour victory. Ko’s final-round, 3-under-par 69 polished off a 14-under 274, one better than Kang, who was at her heels throughout the week.
Ko, 24, entered Sunday’s round with a two-shot advantage over Kang. But Kang took the solo lead with birdies at Nos. 11 and 12 before giving it back with a costly bogey at the par-3 13th. Kang fired a 4-under 68 to earn second place.
Japan’s Yuka Saso tied the low round of the day with a 67 that helped her place third at 12 under. England’s Charley Hull (68) and France’s Celine Boutier (69) tied for fourth at 11 under.
Kang, 29, was vying to win her second event in as many weeks. She was victorious at last week’s Tournament of Champions. — Reuters
