Bangkok Post

Knight wins in native Texas

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THE COLONY: Texan Cheyenne Knight captured her first LPGA Tour title in her native Lone Star State on Sunday, firing a 66 for a two-shot win in the Volunteers of America Classic.

The 22-year-old rookie rolled in three birdies on the back nine at the Old American Golf Club course to finish with a 18-under 266 total.

“It’s so incredible. I can’t put it into words,” Knight said.

Brittany Altomare and Jaye Marie Green tied for second at 16-under, giving the US the top three spots in the event at The Colony, Texas.

Knight came into the tournament needing a top five finish to crack the top 100 on the LPGA money list and ended up taking home her biggest career prize, US$195,000.

She is also the fourth American winner in 2019, joining Cydney Clanton, Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson.

Until Sunday’s victory, there wasn’t much for Knight to write home about in her rookie season. She missed the cut in half of her 18 starts and was looking a relegation to the qualifying series.

That all changed this week as she earned a two-year exemption and will play in the CME Globe Tour Championsh­ip next month.

“I said when I got my card this was the event I was most looking forward to,” said Knight. “Who would have thought this would help me secure my card. I thought I was going back to Q-school.”

LEADING FINAL ROUND SCORES

(par-71, USA unless noted)

266 — Cheyenne Knight 66-67-67-66

268 — Brittany Altomare 67-66-68-67, Jaye Marie Green 67-68-64-69

Selected scores

277 — Pornanong Phatlum (THA) 68-70-69-70 281 — Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) 68-68-72-73

 ?? AFP ?? Cheyenne Knight lifts the trophy.
AFP Cheyenne Knight lifts the trophy.

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