ShopRite LPGA Classic: Anna Nordqvist secures first win of the year
Monday 1 June 2015 06:59, UK
Anna Nordqvist could afford a final-hole bogey and still secure a one-shot victory at the ShopRite LPGA Classic.
The Swede posted a two-under 69 in the final round to finish eight under for the week, one clear of nearest challenger Christel Boeljon, who was searching for her maiden LPGA title.
Beginning the day three shots adrift of overnight leader Morgan Pressell, Nordqvist picked up birdies at the fourth and ninth before making three further inroads on the back nine, taking the lead through back-to-back gains from the 16th.
Boeljon had a chance to move in to a share of the lead but two-putted the last from less than two feet, her short birdie putt at 18 running over the right edge, leaving Nordqvist just needing a bogey for her fifth career victory.
"I've been playing really solid all year but haven't had the win until today," Nordqvist said. "It was really tough this week. Today was very windy, so I'm very proud of myself."
Pressel, who held a one-shot lead at the start of play, wobbled with a bogey at the sixth followed by a double-bogey at the next on her way to a two-over 73 and settling for a share of third with rookie Kelly Shon.
World No 2 Inbee Park lead the bunched group a further stroke back on four under alongside Karrie Webb, with Austin Ernst also there after firing a seven-under 64.