Lydia Ko has ended her winning drought in sensational style with a tap-in eagle on the first playoff hole to claim her third victory at the Lake Merced Golf Club and an impressive 15th LPGA Tour title.
With a round of one-under (71) Ko did things the hard way with
three early bogeys which makes this victory all the more special as she joins the winners circle for the first time since July 2016.
These bogeys dropped her to one behind Americas Jessica Korda through six holes, before rallying and to show her class with birdies on 7, 10, 13,15, 18 and the eagle again on 18 to hold off an amazing run from Australias Minjee Lee who was also outstanding with birdies on 17, 18 and 18.
Her emotion was hard to hide after what has been a challenging period in her already amazing career.
"When that putt dropped I was like oh my god I actually thought my chip might go in the first time I played the 18th, but theres a lot of emotions, I know my whole team and family have worked hard for this moment so Im happy that a few of them are here and we can celebrate it together," said Ko.
"Its crazy because I was three-over for the day at one stage today and I said hey youve just got to focus and you never know whats going to happen and I was able to put my game together on the back nine."
This win will be remembered for the best three-wood of her career after stiffing it to two-feet from 234 yards to finish in style.
"I hit some really good three woods today and was able to hit a really good shot again. I didnt know how close it was going to be, so to have a two-footer to possibly win was a pretty good feeling but also nerve racking too."
This was the first event that she had held the 54-hole lead since her last victory at the Marathon Classic in 2016 and she made the most of it to captivate the world of golf again.
Her last five starts read MC, T33, T20, T19 and T31 before this moment which also adds to the occasion.
On the week of her 21st birthday, this couldnt have gone more to script as she looks to celebrate with family and friends by her side.
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- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Golf NZ
Lydia Ko has ended her winning drought in sensational style with a tap-in eagle on the first playoff hole to claim her third victory at the Lake Merced Golf Club and an impressive 15th LPGA Tour title.
With a round of one-under (71) Ko did things the hard way with
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