Sorenstam achieves her 50th victory in LPGA

“Golf Queen” Annika Sorenstam (Sweden) succeeded 10cm’s par putting in 18th hole, and then took the ball out and gave a brief kiss to it.

It was her 50th victory since she joined U.S. LPGA tour in 1994. Fans celebrated her with standing ovation. Winning score was 9 under par and 207 strokes. It was what Pak Se-ri (CJ) expected to be before the tournament.

It was the final 3rd round of Office Depot Championship held at El Caballero CC (par 72, 6394 yards) in Tarzana, California on April 5. Leading solely for two days, Sorenstam earned 3 under par on that day and won the victory. With this, she accomplished both 2 consecutive wins in this tournament and winning 50th title in LPGA.

The latest golfer who achieved 50th wins were Kathy Whitworth (88wins in total, first place) in 1969, so Sorenstam became another maker of 50 wins in 35 years.

Sorenstam listed her name at 6th place of overall wins in LPGA, became the second earliest golfer who won 50 only in 10 years 3 months and 3 days after Miki Wright (8 years 8 months and 21 days)

Sorenstam showed her surprising power of three wins among appearances in four tournaments including ANZ Ladies Masters of LET tour. She mentioned that she would not join in golf tournaments for next 3 months, and rest and have training in Atlanta.

Kim Mi-hyun (KTF) was outstanding among Korean golfers. Entering final round with 1 under par, Kim reduced three strokes with 5 birdies and 2 bogeys and tied 4th (4 under par and 212 strokes) of her best result in this season. She was placed third top ten in 4 tournaments and earned 81,529 dollars, jumping to 6th place in money ranking (156,233 dollars in total)

Pak Se-ri (CJ) was co-13th place (1 over par and 217 strokes), Nabisco Champion, Park Ji-eun (Nike Golf) didn’t continue 13th consecutive top ten with co-17th place (2 over par and 218 strokes) “Super Rookie” Song A-ree was co-61st place (12 over par and 228 strokes) and Ahn Shi-hyun (Kolon Elord) was co-49th place (9 over par and 225 strokes)

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com