Following a full day of rain which left the course unplayable, the Marathon LPGA Classic was shortened to 54 holes. Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, who held a six-stroke lead after three rounds, was named the 2021 champion, earning her fourth LPGA Tour victory.

“Knowing everybody is working really, really hard to try to get this to a 72-hole tournament. I wish it would’ve been able to do it,” said Hataoka. “But with this weather it was really hard.

“I’m happy to be able to win.”

Americans Elizabeth Szokol and Mina Harigae tied for second on 13 under.

Esther Henseleit of Germany finished solo fourth on 12 under par with Yuka Saso, Amy Yang, Austin Ernst and Caroline Masson rounding out the top-5 earners on 11 under.

Defending champion Danielle Kang and home favorite Stacy Lewis were among a group of six more tied for ninth on 10 under.

Play was initially suspended at 9:40 a.m., with all players having started their final rounds. But the rain never let up and the Monday forecast also called for more rain and storms in the greater Toledo area.

“Our initial weather forecast called for steady morning rain, but eventual clearer conditions,” said Sue Witters, the LPGA Tour’s Vice President of Rules and Competitions.

“Unfortunately, the clouds stalled overhead and the rain never let up enough for us to regain playable course conditions.

“Our first priority is always to complete four and while we hoped to be able to finish on Monday, the weather forecast was again unfavorable after 11 a.m.

“We wish we could have played four rounds, but we are thankful to the players and our tournament partners for their patience on a very difficult day.

“We are also incredibly appreciative of superintendent Greg Pattinson and the Highland Meadows grounds crew for their phenomenal work all week and especially in today’s difficult conditions.”

2021 Marathon LPGA Classic

Final Leaderboard: Top-10

Pos-Player-To Par (Rd 3)
1. Nasa Hataoka -19 (-5)
2. Elizabeth Szokol -13 (-4)
2. Mina Harigae -13 (-3)
4. Esther Henseleit -12 (-4)
5. Yuka Saso -11 (-7)
5. Amy Yang -11 (-6)
5. Austin Ernst -11 (-5)
5. Caroline Masson -11 (-5)
9. Stacy Lewis -10 (-6)
9. Brittany Lincicome -10 (-4)
9. Danielle Kang -10 (-3)
9. Jasmine Suwannapura -10 (-3)
9. Jennifer Kupcho -10 (-2)
9. Gerina Piller -10 (-2)

Material from the LPGA Tour Communications was used to compile this report.