The US’ Brittany Lang earned her first LPGA Tour victory on Sunday, winning the Manulife Financial Classic by making birdie on the par-five 18th hole three consecutive times in a playoff.
Lang held off a wave of South Korean contenders in the playoff after shooting a four-under 67 in regulation to reach 16-under 268.
“I just tried to stay down in the putt and have nice tempo,” Lang said. “I haven’t been in this position much. I’m just trying to learn.”
Photo: AFP
“I can’t believe I finally won. I’ve had my chances and I still can’t believe I did it,” she said.
She edged out South Koreans Seo Hee-kyung, Chella Choi and Park In-bee at the Grey Silo Golf Course.
Choi was knocked out on the first extra hole, third-round leader Park was eliminated on the second hole, setting the stage for a head-to-head battle between Lang and Seo. Lang rolled in a five-foot putt for the win. Four of the top six and six of the top 13 finishers on Sunday were from South Korea.
Taiwan’s Candie Kung shot a 69 to finish tied for 31st place on six-under 278.
The birdie made amends for a shorter putt that Lang missed on the 18th hole that would have clinched the tournament for her.
Choi closed with a 63 on Sunday, Park a 69 and Seo a 67 to get to 16-under.
Reigning US Women’s Open champion Ryu So-yeon and American Stacy Lewis both fired seven-under 64s on Sunday to finish in a tie for fifth at 15-under.
Playing partners Lang, Seo and Park all settled for pars on 18 to set up the playoff.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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