South Korea’s Kim A-lim shot a four-under-par 68 in the final round Saturday to win the Lotte Championship by two strokes and record only her second career LPGA Tour title after the 2020 US Open.Kim’s 18-under total of 270 at Hoakalei Country Club in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, consolidated her one-shot overnight lead over Russian tour rookie Nataliya Guseva, who carded a 69 to finish on 16-under.American Auston Kim was third on 15-under after a final-round 67.Starting the day at 14-under par, the 29-year-old Kim opened the door to Guseva, who birdied the first, with a bogey five on the second — only for the Russian to also card a five at the same hole.”It did not really go well to be honest at the beginning,” a relieved Kim told reporters after celebrating victory.”I just told myself I’m going to do what I set out to do. I just trusted myself.”It worked as Kim then went on a run of three birdies in four holes.”After my bogey (at the second) I started to focus really well and my mind was sharp so I started playing even better,” said the winner.A three-putt at the eighth dropped her back into a tie with the 21-year-old Russian at 15-under.But Guseva bogeyed the par-three ninth as Kim reached the turn a stroke ahead, where she remained until a final birdie at the 18th sealed the title.A beaming Kim was clearly enjoying her week, which included a hole in one at the ninth during Friday’s third round, only her second ever ace.”It was super fun,” said Kim. “On the course I feel like it was more fun. I haven’t felt this way in a long time.”The 21-year-old Guseva, who came through qualifying school to reach the elite women’s tour, was bidding to become the first Russian winner in LPGA Tour history. “Obviously congrats to A-lim for a great game,” said Guseva.”I really did my best out there. I never gave up. Every hole like I gave just my 100 percent and more than that.”
Sun, 10 Nov 2024 05:25:09 GMT
