LPGA Tour rookie Jeongeun Lee6 posted a final-round 70 at Country Club of Charleston to secure her first LPGA win at the U.S. Women’s Open.
The 23-year old Korean finished her final day in South Carolina with four birdies and three bogeys, including two late dropped shots on Nos. 16 and 18 to settle in at 6-under par.
Despite the mediocre Sunday score, it was good enough to secure a two-shot win as the others in lead pack melted on Sunday in Charleston, including the two 54-hole co-leaders, Celine Boutier and Yu Liu, who carded matching 75s.
“I couldn’t imagine coming this far, you know, winning the first LPGA tournament, also a major championship,” said Lee6, through an interpreter. “I feel proud of myself, and I worked so hard.”
With her maiden win, Lee6 earned $1,000,000 and is projected to move from No. 17 to No. 5 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.
Final Top-5 Leaders
1. Jeongeun Lee6 -6 (-1)
2. Angel Yin -4 (+1)
2. So Yeon Ryu -4 (-1)
2. Lexi Thompson -4 (+2)
5. Gerina Piller -3 (-3)
5. Mamiko Higa -3 (+3)
5. Jaye Marie Green -3 (+3)
5. Celine Boutier -3 (+4)
5. Yu Liu -3 (+4)
Lee6’s Final Stats
Driving: 260.49 (8th)
Fairways: 48/56, 85.7% (11th)
Greens: 57/72, 79.2% (5th)
Putts: 31/1.72 (23rd)
Scoring: 16 Birdies, 46 Pars, 10 Bogeys
Lee6 Quotable
“I apologize that I cannot speak English. I’m still trying really hard. I’m still studying for English, so next time if I win the tournament, I will start speaking English.”
– Jeongeun Lee6
