Ko Jin-young grabs her first LPGA major at ANA Inspiration

South Korean female golfer Ko Jin-young won the ANA Inspiration, LPGA’s first major of the season, nabbing her first LPGA major, her second win this season, and her fourth win on the LPGA Tour.

The final round of the ANA Inspiration was held at the Mission Hills Country Club (par-72) in Rancho Mirage, California on Sunday. Ko cut two strokes in the final round to win the tournament by three strokes over Lee Mi-hyang at 10-under-par 278.

Participating in all six tournaments this season, the 23-year-old has shown dominant performance, winning two, finishing second in two and coming in third in one tournament.

Ko claimed the 450,000-dollar first-place prize to become the first player to break the one million dollar mark in yearly earnings this season. The reigning Rookie of the Year took over the top spot in the Rolex Player of the Year race with 123 points, overtaking Nelly Korda (56 points) of the U.S.

Ko recorded three bogeys in the final round but managed to keep the lead by making five birdies. Her lead over Lee was reduced to a single stroke when she recorded bogeys on the 13th and 15th holes. But Ko rebounded with birdies on the 16th (par-4) and the 18th (par-5) hole to clinch a victory.


ysahn@donga.com