Inkster's win takes earnings past US$10 million
IN: News | LPGA | Safeway International (2006) | Wrap | by Bruce Young | 20 Mar 2006
In an era where the focus is on the young up and coming Americans playing the LPGA Tour, veteran Juli Inkster's win in today's Safeway International at Superstition Mountain just outside of Phoenix is a welcome moment for all.
The 45-year-old mother of two may not have won for more than two years but today on a golf course where she clearly has a comfort zone she was brilliant in chasing down and then passing the third round leader Sarah Lee. Inkster had finished third here behind Annika Sorenstam and Lorena Ochoa in 2005.
Today the winner of thirty previous tournaments on the USLPGA Tour made up a four shot deficit with a last round of 67, a round bettered only by Sorenstam who was too far back to affect the result. She was aided to some extent by a shaky finish by London born Korean, Lee, who dropped three shots over the closing five holes to let slip a great opportunity but Inkster was quick to pounce when the opportunity presented itself.
The victory takes Inkster's career earnings beyond US$10,000,000 since first joining the LPGA in 1983. The manner in which she handled this good golf course and the quality field which turned up this week suggests there is clearly more to come.
Lee and Thailand's Aree Song had led for much of the first three rounds but with neither experienced in winning tournaments they were unable to withstand the last round charge by Inkster. Just as her playing partner Lee had done, Song would also double bogey the 14th hole and that was effectively the end of her chance to win her first LPGA Tour event.
Catriona Matthew, Cristie Kerr and Jeong Jang all finished strongly over the closing round to share fourth place. Matthew had moved into a challenging position herself at the turn but dropped two shots over her back nine.
Defending champion Sorenstam was surprisingly disappointing and could only finish 19th despite her customary last round charge.
The best of the Australians was Rachel Hetherington who finished 12th, Karrie Webb was 24th, Michelle Ellis 44th and Katherine Hull 72nd.
The LPGA Tour now has a week off before their first major of the year the Kraft Nabisco starting March 30th.
