Mone Inami fired a 3-under 69 on Sunday to claim her maiden LPGA title at the TOTO Japan Classic.
The 24-year-old Japan native edged Seon Woo Bae (67) of South Korea and Shiho Kuwaki (71), also of Japan, by one shot.
“The past couple days I have enjoyed the feeling (of being in contention). It kind of a birdie chasing game so I tried to pour them out. Since I got eagle and birdie on last two holes yesterday, that makes me play in final group for final day so that is lucky for me,” Inami said of being near the top of the leaderboard all week before she was able to take the top spot-on Sunday.
“For today, actually, the first nine holes I actually tried to enjoy them but its going to be big pressure coming down on the back nine. It was a tough game.”
Inami finished at 22-under 266 for the four rounds. Seon closed with a 67. Kuwaki, who shared the lead after three rounds, slipped to a 71 at the Taiheiyo Club in north central Japan.
Defending champion Gemma Dryburgh of Scotland shot a 65 and finished in a tie for sixth, three off the pace.
With her win, Inami is eligible to accept immediate LPGA Tour membership for the remainder of the season and for the following season.
Final Top 5
Pos-Player-Score (Final Rd)
1. Mone Inami -22 (-3)
2. Seon Woo Bae -21 (-5)
2. Shiho Kuwaki -21 (-1)
4. Jiyai Shin -20 (-7)
4. Xiyu Lin -20 (-5)
LPGA press release used to produce report.
