Suwannapura grabs maiden LPGA title
Thailand’s Thidapa Suwannapura held her nerve on Sunday to beat Brittany Lincicome in a playoff and win the $1.6 million Marathon Classic golf tournament in Ohio.
The victory was a first LPGA title for the 25-year old Bangkok native.
It marked a dramatic finish to the tournament for Suwannapura, who fired a final round 65 that included an eagle-birdie finish to end the day on 14-under par, before facing a nervous wait in the clubhouse as the tournament leaders failed to grab the initiative
In the end there was only Lincicome who matched her score following a final-round 67, while overnight leader Brooke Henderson of Canada fell away with a 69 that left her one shot back in third place.
The playoff saw Suwannapura put her tee shot at the first hole – the 18th – on the fairway while Lincicome found a fairway bunker.
The American then hit into the water, while Suwannapura put her third shot five feet from the pin.
Lincicome somehow managed to save par, but Suwannapura kept calm and made birdie to seal a long-awaited first LPGA win.
It was a watershed day for the young Thai player, who had been struggling to retain her tour card. With the win, she also earned one of five places on offer to the ladies’ British Open, just three years after back surgery threatened to end her golf career.
Speaking afterwards, Suwannapura said: “After I knocked that last putt in, it just felt like a dream come true.”
“I’ve been waiting for this for a while, and I didn’t think it was going to happen today. I’ll just keep trying my best and hopefully it comes out. And today is the day.”
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.