Annie Park Wins Maiden Title at Shoprite LPGA Classic

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Credit: Getty Images/Michael Cohen

Annie Park fired a bogey-free final-round 63 to capture her maiden LPGA Tour title at the ShopRite LPGA Classic.

Credit: Getty Images/Michael Cohen

Starting the day four shots back of overnight leader Sei Young Kim, the Long Island native came out of the gate red hot, posting birdies on Nos. 3, 4 and 5 to quickly move into the hunt at 11 under.

After three-consecutive pars on hole Nos. 6-8, Park reeled off three birdies and an eagle in a six-hole stretch (Nos. 9-14) to take the outright lead.

The former USC star then cruised home with four-consecutive pars to sign for an 8-under 63 and three-day total of 16-under par, one clear of Japan’s Sakura Yokomine, who shot a low-round 61.

“My putter was great,” said Park. “It seemed like every putt I looked at went in. If I said I wasn’t nervous that would be a lie. But I just focused on each shot.”

Marina Alex aced the par-3 17th en route to a 64 to secure the bronze at 14 under 199, one ahead of Kim (70) who finished at 13 under. Sandra Gal (65) and Su Oh (68) rounded out the top 5 at 12 under.

The win earned Park earned $262,500 and 500 points, which will move her to 30th place in the Race to CME Globe with 613 points.


TOP 10 LEADERS

1 Annie Park -16
2 Sakura Yokomine -15
3 Marina Alex -14
4 Sei Young Kim -13
5 Sandra Gal -12
5 Su-Hyun Oh -12
7 Wichanee Meechai -11
7 Ashleigh Buhai -11
7 Mariah Stackhouse -11
10 In Gee Chun -10
10 Beatriz Recari -10
10 Ally McDonald -10
10 Celine Herbin -10


ROAD TO VICTORY

After Round 1: T25 -2 (69)
After Round 2: T4 -8 (65)
After Round 3: 1st -16 (63)


WINNER’S STATS

Driving: 266.83 yards
Fairways: 76% (32/42)
Greens: 81% (44/54)
Par 3s: -2 (2 Birdies, 10 Pars)
Par 4s: -9 (10 Birdies, 22 Pars, 1 Bogey)
Par 5s: -5 (1 Eagle, 4 Birdies, 4 Pars, 1 Bogey)
Scores: 1 Eagle, 16 Birdies, 35 Pars, 2 Bogeys
Key Stretches (Final Round): Nos. 3-5 (Birdie-Birdie-Birdie); Nos. 9-11 (Eagle-Par-Birdie)


QUOTABLE

“I can’t really describe it in words. I’ve been through a lot of struggles, and thank my family for being here. There are so many people that supported me. Without them, I can’t be here where I am today, so I thank them so much.”
– Annie Park

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