SKorean Rookie Mirim Lee Wins Her Second LPGA Tournament

by STEVE HAN

South Korean rookie Mirim Lee notched the second win of her rookie season on the LPGA Tour, edging top-ranked Stacy Lewis and Caroline Hedwall after shooting a 5-under 69 in the final round at the Reignwood Classic.

The 23-year-old rookie’s first win was only two months ago when she beat her countrywoman Inbee Park at the Meijer LPGA Classic.

“I really didn’t think I would get my second win this quickly,” Lee said, according to the Associated Press. “I was a lot more nervous this time than first time around.”

Hedwall finished second behind Lee at 13 under, and Lewis slipped out of contention after adding three bogeys on the back nine.

Even though Lewis struggled, Lee said competing against one of the world’s best golfers, who already won three titles this year, was a learning experience for her.

“Usually when I play my rounds I don’t watch the other players,” Lee said. “Today I really observed how Stacy played, and she was such a phenomenal player. It shows why she is the No. 1 player in the world.”

With her second win, Lee moved up 11 spots in the world rankings to No. 18.