Tokyo, Japan: A new teenage golfing prodigy from Japan has been unearthed in the shape of Minami Katsu.
Minami Katsu created history with her victory. Picture by Japan LPGA.
The 15-year-old amateur created history on Sunday when she became the youngest winner in the history of the Japan LPGA Tour, courtesy of her stunning success in the Vantelin Ladies Open.
One shot off the pace in joint second heading into the final round, Katsu defied her tender years as she snared five birdies against a lone bogey for a closing four-under-par 68 at Kumamoto Airport Country Club.
That gave her a 54-hole aggregate of 11-under 205 and a one-stroke winning margin from Korean
Lee Bo-mee.
A first-year student at Kagoshima High School, Katsu was almost lost for words. She said: “I never thought I would be able to win. I want to thank the fans who supported me and, of course, my parents.”
Leading by two, Katsu holed an eight-footer for par at the long 18th and then watched as Lee’s attempt to force a play-off failed when she was unable to hole out with her third shot.
Korean
Kim Hyo-joo was the previous youngest winner in Japan, savouring victory in the Suntory Ladies Open in 2012 when she was 16.
