by REERA YOO | @reeraboo
editor@charactermedia.com
Lydia Ko, the youngest golfer to reach No. 1 in the world ranking, won the Women’s Australian Open on Sunday with a two-stroke victory over South Korea’s Amy Yang, who carded 72.
Despite hot and steamy conditions at the Royal Melbourne Composite Course, the 17-year-old golfer kept her cool as she shot a two-under 71 in the final round, according to the Associated Press.
Ko and Yang dueled for the lead throughout the final round, but the play was suspended for about an hour due to lightening. Before the siren sounded to suspend play, Ko had just dropped a shot on the eighth, whereas Yang was prepared to putt for a momentum-changing eagle on 10th hole. When the play resumed, Yang settled for a birdie to take the lead from the teen golfer. But, the lead didn’t last long as Ko added two birdies on the back nine.
The New Zealander admitted that the weather delay helped her regain focus.
“I think that break was really good for me,” Ko said. “I had some lunch and got my stuff together there and I played much better after that.”
With her victory, Ko became the youngest player to win the Australian Open. This marks her sixth LPGA title and her first win since topping the world ranking two weeks ago.
“I’ve always played well in Australia, so it’s always cool coming back here,” Ko said.
Thailand’s Ariya Jutangarn, who shared the overnight lead with Ko, shot a 76 and finished third. Meanwhile, Korean American golfer Jenny Shin tied for fourth place with first-round leader Ilhee Lee.
___
Featured image via LPGA.com
