Salas records dominant victory

Lizette Salas carded a final round 71 on Sunday to win the LPGA Kingsmill Championship by four shots.

The 24-year-old Salas reached a score of 13-under par after 72 holes at the Kingsmill Resort and Spa course, where Australian Sarah Jane Smith notched a fourth round 66 to finish in a tie for second place on nine-under.

“I was patient and I was happy today,” Salas said after her victory.

“I felt so ready. There are so many emotions going on right now. I am just trying to breathe.”

Also on nine-under was American Lexi Thompson and former world number one Yani Tseng, who both carded 69s on the day.

South Korea’s Ryu So-Yeon (69) and Kiwi teenager Lydia Ko (71) shared fifth place on eight-under, while Thailand’s Thidapa Suwannapura was in seventh place on seven-under after a round of 69.

Although Salas’ victory came just two weeks after missing the cut at the North Texas Shootout, she hinted that a new putter and a fresh approach to the game helped her play some of the best golf of her career this week.

“I made a putter switch last week when I was home,” Salas said.

“I took a different approach this week of not thinking so much and trying not to be perfect.

“The knees were shaking a little bit but after being in the Solheim Cup I knew how to control my nerves. I knew where to hit it and I just stayed patient.

“Once I got to 17 we had a nice little cushion so I enjoyed that walk up 18.”

Defending champion Cristie Kerr carded a 72 for the second consecutive day and had to settle for a tie of 29th on two-under.