Due to torrential rain storms that blanketed the greater Dallas area, LPGA officials decided to reduce the 2018 edition of the Volunteers of America Texas Classic to 36 holes.
So after four days of stops and starts, while trying to cobble together 36 holes at the Old American Golf Club, it was Korea’s Sung Hyun Park who came out on top, winning by one stroke over America’s Lindy Duncan.
Park, who entered her final 18 holes on Sunday tied for the lead with compatriot Jenny Shin at 6-under par, stumbled out of the gate, making a bogey on No. 1. But the young Korean recovered nicely with an eagle on No. 4, followed by birdies on Nos. 6, 8 and 9 to turn at 10 under par.
A final gain on the 18th hole allowed Park to sign for a 5-under par 66 and reach 11 under, good for a one-shot win over the American Duncan, who posted a 64 to reach solo-second at 10 under par.
“I knew it was a pretty important shot,” said Park, of her final birdie on No. 18.
“It was a difficult shot and I’m glad I made it. I know my stats are a little bit off in my short game, but I’ve been working hard an it paid off today.”
The title was Park’s third career LPGA victory, and her first of the 2018 season.
Chinese Yu Liu shot a 66 to finish alone in third-place at 9-under par. Thai Ariya Jutanugarn posted a 66 to tie Korean Sei Young Kim (67) for fourth-place at 8-under par.
Aditi Ashok posted a 66 to briefly hold the clubhouse lead at 7-under par. In the end, though, the 20-year-old rising star from India ended up T6 alongside 18-hole co-leader Shin, who posted a final-round 1 under 70.
Last week’s winner Lydia Ko posted a 67 to lead a group of four at 6 under and T8.
TOP 10 LEADERS
1. Sung Hyun Park -11
2. Lindy Duncan -10
3. Yu Liu -9
4. Ariya Jutanugarn -8
4. Sei Young Kim -8
6. Jenny Shin -7
6. Aditi Ashok -7
8. Jackie Stoelting -6
8. Lydia Ko -6
8. Jin Young Ko -6
8. Mi Hyang Lee -6
TOP 5 MONEY
1. Park ($195,000)
2. Duncan ($118,649)
3. Liu ($86,072)
4. Jutanugarn ($60,088)
4. Kim ($60,088)
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
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“I have no idea how I’m going to celebrate. Usually we don’t — I don’t have any experience doing that before. But I just want to go home and see my dog, and because I really missed her. And I have a sister that’s waiting for me at home. So I think we’re just going to talk about the win.”
– Sung Hyun Park
Credit: Getty Images, LPGA Communications