Lee recovers to win in Hawaii

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  • April 17, 2016

Minjee Lee bounced back from a third-round stumble to fire a closing 64 to win the LPGA Lotte Championship in Hawaii.

The 19-year-old held a two-shot lead after 36 holes, but a two-over-par 74 on Friday looked to have derailed her title chances. However, the Australian responded in the best possible way by carding a final-round 64 to claim a one-stroke victory, having begun the day five back.

Third-round leader Katie Burnett (70) and In Gee Chun (67) were forced to settle for a share of second on 15-under, while Thailand's Moriya Jutanugarn finished fourth a further shot adrift.

Lee was flawless on the Ko Olina Golf Club on Saturday, notching up six birdies and an eagle as she roared to victory. After taking the turn in 34 after two birdies, Lee played seven holes in six under from the 11th to the 17th. The Perth native was then able to get up-and-down for par on the par-4 18th to set 16-under as the score to beat.

Burnett held a share of the lead heading to the 16th, but a bogey at the par-3 saw her fall off the pace. The American had a chance to claim that shot right back at the 17th, but was unable to hole a six-foot birdie putt. Burnett would have one final birdie shot at the final hole, but again was unable to capitalise when she need to do so most.

Chun too had a chance to draw level with Lee at 18, but the South Korean failed to hole her 20-foot effort.

The title is Lee's second, with the teenager having picked up her debut win at last year's Kingsmill Championship.

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