Amy Yang held off So Yeon Ryu on the final day of the Honda LPGA Thailand to win the event for the second time and pick up her third career victory.
Amy Yang held off So Yeon Ryu on the final day of the Honda LPGA Thailand to win the event for the second time in the last three seasons and pick up her third career victory.
With a birdie on the final hole, Yang carded a final round 68 and set a new Tournament scoring record at 22 under par. She bested the previous mark by one stroke (Suzann Pettersen 2007 and Ai Miyazato 2010).
Heavy rainstorms during the second round forced a marathon golf scenario for many players to battle through along with the warm temperatures and humid playing conditions. Amy Yang was forced to play 31 holes on Saturday and finish up her five remaining round three holes early Sunday morning.
None of that fazed Yang as she carded 10 birdies, 1 eagle and only 1 bogey over her second and partial third rounds on Saturday taking a 4-shot overnight lead. She returned early Sunday morning and birdied the 17th to gain one more shot on the field as she closed out her third round.
"You know, very happy, beyond happy. Wasn't easy with rain delays and 4:00 a.m. wake-up calls two days in a row." Yang described following her victory. "But, you know, I stayed really patient out there, did my best, and very happy to win the tournament."
Yang has been remarkable in Thailand over the last three seasons and has yet to card an over-par round. Her 1-under, 71 during the third round in 2015 is her highest score.
Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn both finished in the top-10 at the Honda LPGA Thailand. Moriya finished in solo seventh place at 12-under, while Ariya was a shot behind in a tie for eighth at 11-under.
“I’m very happy with what it is this week,” Moriya said. “I really happy that I can perform in front of Thai fans and play in the last group with great two players and in home country. It’s just great.”
“It feel great and really grateful to play here and play in front of all the Thai fans,” Ariya added. “Like they show me how much support they are.”
The T7 finish is the best for Moriya since June 24, 2016 at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G where she finished T4. She will look to build on her solid start to the 2017 season with top-20 performances at the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic and the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open.
In her first tournament since capturing Gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Inbee Park finished tied for 25th at 5-under-par.
Brit Watch
Jodi Ewart Shafoff continued her strong start to the season with an impressive performance in Thailand. The Englishwoman finished in a tie for 8th alongside four other players, including World No.1 Lydia Ko, on 11-under-par. Compatriot Charley Hull carded a one-under-par 71 to finish in T-23.
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