Posted on February 26, 2019 in News.
Amy Yang signs the hat-trick on the Honda LPGA Thailand
Amy Yang won the Honda LPGA Thailand for the third time this Sunday after keeping Minjee Lee at bay with one stroke. The South Korean recorded a card of 65 in the final for a total of 266 (-22) at the Pattaya Old Course of Siam Country Club.
Despite a 50-minute stoppage of play due to lightning and a rain-induced delay later in the round, Yang, who won his fourth LPGA title this season, came out of a three-way showdown with Lee and Carlota Ciganda thanks to a birdie at the edge of the green, on the 16th par-3 to regain the lead at 21 under par.
"Honestly, I was very nervous, especially on the last three holes"said Yang, who also won the event in 2015 and 2017. “It was a tough hole to finish. I was really telling myself to be patient, to do my best at the time. "
“I tried to stay calm and be patient. I really like coming here. I love this golf course which is why I always play well here. "
While Ciganda had already signed a 20 under par, Lee, on the 18th hole, had the chance to force a playoff if she had putt 4 yards for the eagle. She didn't, and had to settle for a birdie to finish with a 66-21 under par.
"I really fought"said Lee, who was looking for his fifth victory on the LPGA tour. “I just tried to make as many birdies as I could. I probably didn't play the 15's and 16's the way I wanted to, but I think overall I had a pretty solid performance. "
Ciganda finished 20 under the par after eagle on the 1st par-5 and then on the 15th par-4. She scored a very good 63 on Sunday, tying Thursday's Eun-Hee Ji score, the lowest in the event.
“I hit a lot of greens, hit some great shots, had some good results, and today the putting was hot,” said Ciganda.
Yang, who won $ 240 of the $ 000 million endowment, is expected to move from 1,6th to 37nd place in the Race to the CME Globe after this victory.
Céline Boutier ranks 48th
Despite a very good start to the competition, Céline Boutier, the only Frenchwoman at the start, failed to climb the leaderboard of the Honda LPGA Thailand. With his final 71 (-1) card, the Habs are in 48th place, far from the leading pack.
Starting from the 10th tee, the Frenchman was able to make three birdies on his way. Before meeting a more difficult comeback with two bogeys and a double for two birdies. With a final score of 71 (-1), the French number 1 ended the week without a single card above the par but ultimately remained 48th, alongside in particular the world number 5, the American Lexi Thompson.
To see the leaderboard: click here