Linnea Strom has shot a tournament-record 11-under 60 overcome a seven-stroke deficit and win the LPGA Classic by a shot for her first LPGA Tour title.
After making the cut on the number on Saturday, Strom teed off at 8.20am — three hours 40 minutes before the final group — on the Bay Course at Seaview Resort on Sunday.
She had an eagle — chipping in from 15 feet on the par-5 ninth — and nine birdies to get to 14-under before the 27-year-old Swede birdied the last three holes and four of the last five.
“Honestly, really did not expect this waking up today,” Strom said.
“This is proof that you should never give up. Just go out there and give it your all.”
She had the lowest final-round score by a winner in LPGA Tour history and matched the second-lowest score overall. Compatriot Annika Sorenstam set the record with a 59 in the second round of the 2001 Standard Register PING. The previous best final round for a winner was a 61 by Inbee Park in the 2014 Manulife Financial LPGA Classic.
Strom started the day tied for 52nd for by far the biggest comeback by position on the tour since 1984.
“I think I just tried to do as well as I could and I honestly didn’t think I was playing for winning,” Strom said.
“I mean, obviously always want to win in the back of your head, but I just tried to put a good score out there today. I’m very proud of how I handled myself all around today.”
Strom won after missing the cuts in five of her last six events and is the 15th Swedish player to win on the tour.
American Megan Khang (66) and Ayaka Furue (65) of Japan tied for second.
“Yesterday in an interview … you asked me how far you had to be back, and apparently seven was good spot to be,” Khang said.
“Overall, it’s very impressive what Linnea did today.”
Stephanie Kyriacou was the best of the Australians in joint-12th. She finished eight under after a 70, while Hannah Green (68) was six under, Hira Naveed (75) two under and Robyn Choi (75) even.
via The Novum Times
The Novum Times 