Inbee wins Women’s Australian Open
GOLF: South Korean great Inbee Park has won the Women’s Australian Open to add to her golfing legend.
The seven-time major winner claimed a three-shot victory, capturing her 20th LPGA Tour title despite a final round of one-over 74 at Royal Adelaide yesterday.
Park finished at 14-under to win from American Amy Olson (70) while Hannah Green (74) was the best-placed Australian, tied 13th at sixunder. Green stumbled with three early bogeys cruelling her quest to bridge the gap on overnight leader Park.
Former world No.1 Park started yesterday’s final round with a three-shot cushion from her 19-year-old compatriot Ayean Cho.
But Cho’s hopes of catching her esteemed countrywoman were quickly dashed: a birdie at the second hole was followed by three bogeys in the next four holes as she slid from contention.
American Olson tried to put some pressure on Park, firing a three-under round in blustery winds.
“It was a battle out there,” Olson said. “But I was really pleased with how I struck it.
“In the wind you’re going to miss greens and I had some really good up-and-downs.”
Only one golfer shot a lower round than Olson – American Cristie Kerr carded a four-under 69 and finished eight-under and tied for sixth. France’s Perrine Delacour (10under) took outright third with China’s Yu Liu and American Marina Alex the next-best at nine-under.
Australia’s Green headed the locals with world No.8 Minjee Lee finishing fourunder, 21-year-old Robyn Choi three-under, Katherine Kirk three-over while Karis Davidson endured a torrid five-over final round to end at 11-over.