USA's Lexi Thompson makes the traditional winner's leap into Poppy's Pond after claiming her first Major title at the Kraft Nabisco Championship in California.
Lexi Thompson started her day with a birdie and didn’t look back as she fired a bogey-free 68, the low round of the day, to capture a three-shot victory over Michelle Wie at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship.
“Well, it was an amazing day,” Thompson said. “Starting off with a birdie definitely helped. But just hitting that first tee shot obviously a little nervous, but it was definitely what I’ve been practicing for, what I live for, to play under that pressure and to get a major win under my belt, especially the Kraft Nabisco. It’s such a huge honor to win this tournament.”
With the win Thompson captured her first-career major becoming the second-youngest player to win a major championship in the process.
“It’s a great feeling. This is what I’ve worked so hard for,” Thompson said. “This was one of my goals coming into the year, to win a major. I’ve always seen myself winning a Kraft Nabisco. It’s such a huge honor with all the history behind the tournament. It’s just a dream come true.”
Thompson’s play drew praise from the golf world including her playing partner and tournament runner-up Michelle Wie.
““(Lexi) played amazing today. She played probably the best I’ve ever seen her play. She hit the ball so well. She made everything. It was just hard to catch up to her all day today, but I’m really happy for her. I’m really proud of her,” Wie stated.
With the win, Thompson has now won the last four times that she held the lead going into the final round of a tournament. All four of Thompson’s career victories have come when she has slept on the lead heading into the final day.
“It’s been great,” Thompson said. “This is what I’ve worked my whole life for and practiced my butt off for, but especially the off season. This was one of my main goals, to come into this year to play on International Crown was one of my goals, but to win a major has been a goal of mine my whole life, especially this year. I’m going to continue to work hard and set even more goals for the rest of the year.”
Michelle Wie shot a final round 71 to finish the tournament at -11 in solo second, her best finish in a major championship.
“You know, it was a lot of fun playing in contention, being in the final group,” Wie said. “It was nice to be in the final group at Kraft again. I think it’s a sign. I think I’m getting close. I think I can get a lot of confidence from this week. I think I’m improving and improving, and I think getting second at a major, I think it means that I’m close, and I’m really proud of myself, and I’m really excited for the upcoming events. There’s four more majors left this year, and I’m just really proud of myself, and I just want to keep improving a little bit every day.
England's Charley Hull began the final round in a tie for 3rd place, but with a closing 76, she finished four-under-par to share 7th place. Scotland's Catriona Matthew also posted a final round 76 for a share of 11th place.
Image: Getty Images
