Jang lands Australian Open with stylish finish
Ha Na Jang was trailing for much of the day but produced a brilliant closing stretch to win by three shots at Royal Adelaide.
The Korean shot a 69 after playing the first 12 holes in one over, she then found birdies at the next two holes before sinking a monster putt for eagle at the 17th. At the last she closed out the victory with a short iron to close range at the last. She now has four wins in her last 22 starts.
Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen picked up a huge pay day, around $120,000, after a late birdie gave her second place on her own.
America’s Lizette Salas had looked like taking control with a pair of birdies around the turn but then dropped four shots coming home to slip down to a tie for seventh, alongside five other players including Europe’s No 1 Beth Allen.
World No 1 Lydia Ko, in her first start of the year and with new clubs and a new coach, had a 75 to tie for 46th on two over while No 2 Ariya Jutanugarn tied for third.
And thats how it's done. ?#WomensAusOpen pic.twitter.com/rBrfP8grKy
— LPGA (@LPGA) February 19, 2017
What Jang said: “It’s a really good, strong finish. That is why it’s good sport today. The first hole I was very nervous on the tee because I want to make birdie at every hole, more aggressive and try that. After hole No. 1 it’s really tough day.
“I love Australia because the food is good, people is really kind, I love the golf course, and the weather is so good because it’s not really hot. Strong windy and a little dry, I like dry arid conditions, so, really good.”
What Salas said: “I’m just going to say it’s disappointing. I don’t really have any words other than it was pretty bad. I mean, I stayed patient, I wasn’t dramatic, I wasn’t trying to force anything. It’s just my ball didn’t find the hole. I had some bad swings that cost me a stroke and I couldn’t find a rhythm.”
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