Pak beats quality field and horrific conditions
BY Bruce Young | LPGA Tour | 2002 Nine Bridges Classic | Wrap | 27 Oct 2002
Se Ri Pak further endeared herself to her army of South Korean supporters when she walked away with the Sports Today Nine Bridges Classic on the island of Jeju today. Battling sub-5 degree temperatures and chilling winds to boot, Pak’s final round 72 was the best of the day on this so called resort island off the south coast of South Korea.
The win, her fifth of the year, was worth $US225,000 to the twenty-five-year old and has her earnings for the season at USD$1,600,000. Although she still trails Annika Sorenstam by some USD$800,000, it has been a brilliant year for her and with three events to go, she is just $20,000 short of her record season last year.
Leading by three shots over fellow country woman, Grace Park, heading into the final round, Pak’s last round 72 in the most trying of conditions saw her win by six from Carin Koch with Lorie Kane and Mhairi McKay two shots further back.
Rachel Teske was 8th and earns $US35,000 taking her year’s earnings to just beyond $US600,000. Teske’s official earnings since joining the LPGA Tour in 1997 are now just short of $US2,700,000. Wendy Doolan was 56th, Michelle Ellis 63rd and Jane Crafter 76th.
The LPGA heads now to Japan for two events before heading back to the US for the ADT Tour Championship.
Final Round – Australasian Scores
T8 8 Rachel Teske (73-76-75)
T52 21 Wendy Doolan (73-76-88)
T63 24 Michelle Ellis (78-82-80)
T76 29 Jane Crafter (79-81-85)
