Sorenstam wins by seven at Michelob
IN: News | LPGA | Michelob Ultra Open at Kingsmill (2008) | Round Four | by Bruce Young | 12 May 2008
Annika Sorenstam gave rise to what promises to be a great second half of the LPGA season when she won the Michelob Ultra Championship in Virginia by a massive seven shots, her final round of 66 further consolidating a three shot 54 hole lead.
It was Sorenstam’s third win of the season for the Swede but importantly it was against a field that included all but one of the leading 12 players and she served notice that the domination that Lorena Ochoa has enjoyed for the past eighteen months might come under severe pressure in the big events over the next few months.
In addition to her three victories, Sorenstam has also been runner up twice and her victory today will move her to US$1,244,000 and closing in on Ochoa’s significant lead.
Sorenstam gave some hope to her chasers with an early bogey on day four but it was just a hiccup and she was quickly back in control, turning in 35 and although her closest challenger after 54 holes, Jeong Jang, was within two at that stage, Sorenstam drew clear with a series of birdies early on the back nine.
“It feels great, amazing, really,” said Sorenstam after her round. “Like I’ve said all week, I like this place and love the golf course and just always wanted to play well here. I always felt like it was a big tournament on our schedule and the best players are always here.”
“It’s kind of our Players Championship. And to come back after last year when I didn’t play here, I missed out last year. Now I’m here and winning this tournament is just a wonderful feeling. I think I feel just relieved, I feel peace at myself knowing I can play this golf course. So it’s great.”
Alison Fouch, who gained full status on the PGA Tour for the first time with a runner up finish on the Duramed Futures Tour last season, recorded her best finish at this level with a final round 64 to finish in a share of second with Jeong Jang, Karen Stupples and Christina Kim.
World number one Lorena Ochoa finished 12th.
Australian Katherine Hull secured her best finish on the LPGA Tour in nearly three years when she put together a final round of 64 to close in 6th place. Hull’s round included an amazing albatross at the par five 7th from 229 yards.
Karrie Webb was 38th, Sarah Kemp and Lindsey Wright 57th.
The LPGA Tour now moves to New Jersey for the Sybase Classic.
