Na Yeon Choi capped off her US Women&aposs Open-winning year by claiming the season-ending CME Group Titleholders event on Sunday, with Australian Karrie Webb finishing fourth. South Korean Choi, 25, was locked in a battle with countrywoman So Yeon Ryu on the back nine before pulling away by two strokes with birdies on the 12th and 16th holes as she eventually carded a final-round two-under 70. Choi won with 14 under overall with American Brittany Lincicome (70) at 11 under in third and Australian Webb (69) a shot further back in fourth. Webb holed four birdies and a bogey in a solid showing at the TwinEagles Golf Club in Florida. The seven-time major winner was by far the best of the Australians, with Lindsey Wright (one under) and Katherine Hull (even par) sharing 26th and 29th respectively. Sarah Jane Smith (four over) was never in the hunt, but finished with a strong five-under 67. For Choi it was a second big win of 2012, with the US$500,000 pay check taking her season earnings to a career-best US$1.9 million. “I&aposm really happy with how I played this season,” Choi said. “I won my first major and even this tournament is very big for me. I think I can have even bigger expectations now and think I deserve it.” Ryu, who was honoured as the LPGA Rookie of the Year this week, had her chances after moving into a share of the lead with a 25-foot putt for birdie on the 13th. But on the next hole, she blasted a 30-foot birdie putt well past the hole and three-putted for bogey which ended her hopes of taking the title. South Korea&aposs Inbee Park closed with a 70, enough to see her claim the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average. Meanwhile, Stacy Lewis, who was well down in equal 29th, became the first American since 1994 to win the LPGA Player of the Year.
Author: Omnisport