Gaby Lopez carded a final-round 73 to earn her maiden LPGA Tour win at the 2018 Blue Bay LPGA.
The Mexico City native, who celebrated her 25th birthday the day before, claimed a one-stroke victory over world No. 1 Ariya Jutanugarn (73) with a final score of 8-under 280.
Playing in the final group with Jutanugarn and World No. 2 Sung Hyun Park, Lopez drew inspiration from her superstar playing partners.
“I was just very fortunate and very lucky to have that challenge, to face it, knowing I had to play my best game because they were going to play good,” said Lopez, who is the 10th Rolex First-Time Winner of the 2018 LPGA season.
“I knew they were going to hit some great shots and I had to keep up with them. At the same time, just tells me that I could be in the same level. I’m working, I’m practicing, and doing lots of hard stuff to one day be up there in the world rankings with them.”
Celine Boutier was one further back after a final-day 66 got her to 6 under, one clear of Danielle Kang (68) and Sei Young Kim (71).
2018 BLUE BAY LPGA
FINAL TOP 5 LEADERS
Pos-Player-To Par (Today)
1. Gaby Lopez -8 (+1)
2. Ariya Jutanugarn -7 (+1)
3. Celine Boutier -6 (-6)
4. Danielle Kang -5 (-4)
4. Sei Young Kim -5 (-1)
TOP-3 CHECK CASHERS
1. Gaby Lopez – $315,000
2. Ariya Jutanugarn – $192,103
3. Celine Boutier – $139,357
LOPEZ’S WINNING STATS
Driving: 262.5 yards
Fairways: 42/56, 75.0%
Greens: 55/72, 76.4%
Putts/GIR: 1.67
