Sherri Steinhauer held off a late charge by Christina Kim for a one-stroke victory at the LPGA State Farm Classic.
Steinhauer drained an 8m par putt from the first cut of rough to cap a wild finish that handed the 44-year-old her eighth career title and just the fifth wire-to-wire win on the LPGA Tour this year.
"I was just thinking two-putt and go for a playoff. Give it a chance, but just two-putt and go in the playoff and see what will happen. It went in. It was amazing," Steinhauer said after her first win since last year's women's British Open.
The four-time US Solheim Cup player shot a five-under 67 to finish at 17-under 271, holding off a late charge by Christina Kim at Panther Creek Country Club.
The 23-year-old Kim closed with a 66. She tied for the lead briefly after holing the last of three closing birdies, a 9m putt from the fringe on the 18th.
Playing a hole behind Kim, Steinhauer answered, sinking an 8m birdie putt on the par-three 17th to get to 17 under.
Steinhauer needed just a par on 18 to win, but had to scramble after her second shot found the bunker and her sand shot went long.
Kim, also second last week in the Safeway Classic, said she never doubted Steinhauer would put the victory away in regulation.
"Sherri has one of the best short games out here. I knew she was going to get up and down. And she's made so few bogeys all week long, I didn't think she would want to add one on the 72nd hole," said Kim, also second in the 2004.



