(23 March, 2009 – Winter Haven, Florida)
rn
The developmental tour of the LPGA kicked off this week with the US$100,000 Florida&aposs Natural Growers Charity Classic in White Haven, Florida. It took an extra three holes to decide the winner after America&aposs Jean Reynolds and Korea&aposs Song Yi Choi tied at 4-under par total 212. It took a birdie on the 18th the third time around to give Reynolds her first professional victory.
rn
rnThe Lake Region Yacht and Country Club provided plenty of drama throughout the final day with the real drama being played out on the final three holes. Choi had bogeyed the 16th to fall back into a tie with Reynolds before she bounced back with a birdie on the 17th to go to the 18th tee with a 1-shot lead. However, with the wind picking up, Choi left her approach shot short and in the water hazard. From there she could only make bogey to send the tournament to overtime.
rn
rnBoth players made par the first two times they replayed the 18th before Reynolds secured the win with a sublime approach shot to three feet. Choi missed her putt from 35-feet and Reynolds tapped in for the victory. Afterwards she said, “I knew this day was coming, but it feels so awesome, it’s been a really bizarre week because I stayed so calm”.
rn
rnThere were four ALPG Members in the field, however only Kristie Smith managed to make the cut. After a solid first round of 3-under par 69 she was sitting in third place. However, rounds of 77 and 74 saw her slip down the leaderboard to finish in a tie for 26th. Rachel Bailey, Bing Lim and Stacey Tate all missed the cut which was set at 5-over par 149.