Ryu wins Walmart, first to win twice in 2017
South Korea’s So Yeon Ryu won the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship on Sunday to become the LPGA’s first two-time winner this season.
With a huge five-stroke lead after firing a course-record 10-under par 61 on Saturday, world number three Ryu carded a 69 in her final round to beat compatriot Amy Yang and Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn by two shots with a tournament-record score of 18 under par.
After the win, Ryu said an early birdie helped calm her nerves.
“With a five-shot lead, everybody assumes you’re going to win the tournament,” she said.
“But this is golf. I shot 10-under yesterday, and that means someone had a chance to shoot 10-under as well. I missed the birdie putt at the second but was able to make the birdie at the third. I think that putt made me relax a little bit.”
The win was Ryu’s fifth LPGA Tour victory, and her second of the year after the ANA Inspiration in April.
It also marks the first time a player has won multiple tournaments this season. The 15 previous tournaments had produced 15 different champions.
Yang shot a 64, while Jutanugarn – sister of world number one Ariya Jutanugarn – recorded a 66.
Stacy Lewis and Michelle Wie tied for fourth at 13 under after shooting a 69 and 64 respectively.
With such a hefty lead, Ryu was expected to close out the win, but it was reduced to just two shots at one point when she made bogey – her first of the week – on the par-3 11th. Yang then birdied the 12th to get within two.
But it didn’t last long as Yang hit bogeys on both the 13th and 14th, while Ryu picked up a shot on the par-4 12th to extend the gap back to five.
Defending champion Lydia Ko, who set the previous tournament best score of 17 under last year, could only finish tied 25th at 8-under par after a 68.
The ladies tour now heads into the second major of the year, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, which starts in Florida on Thursday.
Latest
-
Courses
Six of the toughest holes in golf anywhere in the world
Check out six of the toughest holes in golf
-
Instruction
WATCH: Tommy Fleetwood explains his three-quarter swing
Tommy Fleetwood has an interesting swing style which has caught the attention of many.
-
Equipment
Lucas Glover raises eyebrows with new broomstick putter from L.A.B
Lucas Glover is set to switch the new L.A.B. Golf DF3 broomstick putter into his bag after a brief trial.
-
Videos
WATCH: Dog proves why he’s man’s best friend with refreshments delivery on golf course
Just when you think a man’s best friend couldn’t get any better somebody shows us they can.
-
Equipment
Cameron Young trialling unusual prototype club at The Players
Cameron Young is out to solve a great riddle of the Players Stadium Course in Palm Valley with an unusual but logical addition to his bag.
-
Courses
How much will a round at Glendower Golf Club’s championship course set you back?
Glendower Golf Club is both beautiful and challenging.
-
Equipment
Ping’s G730 irons deliver on promises of more distance and maximum forgiveness
Ping deliver easy-to-hit high-launch distance irons.
-
Videos
WATCH: Golfer defies logic with sand wedge escape filmed in super-satisfying slow-mo
You won’t see anything more satisfying today.
-
News
Rickie Fowler’s driver trials and tribulations show how tough it is for pros to find the right fit
The driver struggles have been real for Rickie Fowler.