Kim claims LPGA’s ShopRite Classic
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. In-Kyung Kim held off two-time defending champion Anna Nordqvist on Sunday in the ShopRite LPGA Classic for her fifth tour title.
Tied with Paula Creamer for the second-round lead, Kim closed with a 2-under 69 for a two-stroke victory over Nordqvist at Stockton Seaview.
Kim was making her sixth start since returning from an injury sustained falling down stairs. The 28-year-old South Korean player won the Reignwood LPGA Classic late last season in China.
Nordqvist shot a 69. Kim finished with an 11-under 202.
Michelle Wie had a 65 to tie for third at 7 under with Jenny Shin (69), Jacqui Concolino (70) and Jeong Eun Lee (71). Creamer had a 74 to drop into a tie for seventh at 6 under.
Brooke Henderson shot a finalround 75 to finish in a tie for 36th at 1 under par. She was the lone Canadian to make the cut.
On Saturday, Ariya Jutanugarn took the No. 1 spot in the world ranking to be released Monday. Taking the week off, Jutanugarn replaced Lydia Ko atop the ranking when So Yeon Ryu missed the cut.
Meanwhile, Jason Dufner never lost sight of the big picture even after losing a big lead. It paid off when he made a 30-foot par putt on the final hole that wrapped up his victory in the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio.
Dufner lost a five-shot lead Saturday. He started Sunday four shots behind and kept his composure through two rain delays, closing with a 4-under 68 to get that handshake with host Jack Nicklaus. Dufner finished at 13-under 275.
Four players had at least a share of the lead in a final round in which seven players were in the hunt. Dufner saved his best golf for the back nine: Not only did he hit every green until the 18th, all but one of his birdie chances were from 12 feet or in.
Rickie Fowler and Anirban Lahiri each finished at 10-under 278 to share second place. Justin Thomas, Daniel Summerhays and Matt Kuchar, shared third place at 9-under 279.
Three Canadians made the cut, led by Graham DeLaet of Weyburn, Sask., with a 7-under 281 for a share of 10th. Mackenzie Hughes of Hamilton had a final round 74 to finish at 2-over 290 in a tie for 45th. Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., struggled on the final day to finish in a tie for 49th at 3-over 291.