Choi recovers for first LPGA win
BY Bruce Young | LPGA Tour | 2009 Samsung World Championship | Round Four | 21 Sep 2009
Korean golfer Na Yeon Choi has recovered from a mid final round slump to win the Samsung World Championship of Women’s Golf at the famed South Course at Torrey Pines and claim her first LPGA Tour title.
Choi produced a two shot swing on Japan’s Ai Miyazato on the final hole of the day, a birdie at the par five 18th to a bogey by Miyazato was enough for the 21-year-old to regain her overnight leading margin.
Courtesy of her stunning third round of 63 over the demanding layout, Choi took a two shot lead into the final round and at one stage early in the final round it appeared the only question was who would finish second.
Choi opened up a five shot lead over the field through six holes but four dropped shots in seven holes between the 9th and 15th holes saw her lose the outright lead and when Miyazato birdied the 16th, the Japanese star had moved ahead.
Then came the victorious final hole turnaround, which was just reward for what has been great consistency in 2009 for Choi.
Ji Yai Shin finished third after a poor final day but retains her position at the top of the money list while Lorena Ochoa fourth place further confirms her recent return to form.
Only two Australians were in the field, Karrie Webb finished 15th and Lindsey Wright 18th in the 20 player field.
The LPGA Tour remains in California for this week’s CVS Pharmacy LPGA Challenge in Danville.
