Phoenix, United States: Kim Hyo-joo, fired up after a bogey at the 10th, birdied five of her last eight holes on Sunday to win the LPGA Founders Cup by three strokes from Stacy Lewis.
The 19-year-old South Korean had seven birdies in her five-under par 67, capturing a second LPGA Tour title to go with the major crown she earned at the Evian Championship last year.
Kim led Lewis by two strokes going into the final round at Wildfire Golf Club. Lewis closed to within one shot late on Sunday but bogeyed the last to cap a four-under par 68.
Her 18-under par total of 270 gave her a second runner-up finish in her last three events.
Even though she started the day with the lead, Kim said she wasn’t thinking about lifting the trophy.
“In the morning, I wasn’t concentrating on winning because I was playing with Stacy Lewis and, as a rookie, I just felt that by playing with her, I would learn a lot from her,” Kim said.
“So I was just trying to make a good impression as a rookie.”
Another South Korean, Lee Il-hee, grabbed a share of third place with a six-under par 66. She was joined on 272 by compatriot Lee Mi-hyang, who carded a 68, and Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum, who signed for a 67.
World number one Lydia Ko fired a three-under par 69 for the third straight day to lead a group of five players sharing sixth place on 15-under 273.
Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist joined the group with a sparkling 64, American Austin Ernst and South Korea’s Kim Sei-young both posted 65s, while Choi Na-yeon posted a 66 for 273.
