Seoul, Korea: Lexi Thompson continued America’s success on South Korean soil with a tense, one-stroke victory in the LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship.
A week after the United States won the Presidents Cup at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, Thompson triumphed at the Sky 72 Golf Club.
It was Thompson’s second win of the year and the sixth of her career.
Thompson, who posted a closing three-under 69, said: “It’s very satisfying. I always look forward to coming back to South Korea and playing in front of these amazing fans, and I love Sky 72. It’s a great golf course. I always look forward to it. Getting a win means so much.”
With a four-day total of 15-under 273, Thompson finished one shot ahead of Korean Park Sung-hyun and Taiwan’s Tseng Ya-ni.
It was the former world number one’s third top-five finish in her last four starts and sets her up perfectly for next week’s LPGA stop in her home country.
Tseng, seeking her first win in three years, said: “I’m just looking forward to win. I came to Asia for these five weeks and looking for a win. I know every week is getting close, and next week in Taiwan, it would be great to win.”
Amy Yang also made waves on the final day with a course-record equalling 62. Remarkably, the Korean had birdies at every hole on the back nine, the first time that feat has been recorded on the LPGA Tour.
She said: “I don’t know what happened. I can’t believe it. I think six in a row was my best.”
There was disappointment for Lydia Ko who was bidding to claim the world number one spot. The joint overnight leader signed off with an even-par 72 to end tied for fourth on 275.