Hataoka finishes off her major preparation in the best possible style
Kia Classic report: What happened at Aviara Golf Club?
Nasa Hataoka fired rounds of 64 and 67 over the weekend to rise above 54-hole leader Inbee Park and pick up her first win of 2019.
Trophy Raised ?@nasagolf7355 celebrates her third career @LPGA Tour victory! pic.twitter.com/zlMvk2Y3yv
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 1, 2019
Low scoring was a theme throughout the field on Sunday and Nataoka played some stunning shots to open up a three-shot gap by the time she reached the 16th.
.@nasagolf7355 sticks it CLOSE!
She'd tap this in for birdie to get to -18, good for a three shot lead!
Tune in to @GolfChannel now for Final Round coverage from Carlsbad! pic.twitter.com/RDcgZL3JhP
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 1, 2019
The Japanese star welcomed the victory just one week before the first major championship of the year: “It has given me a lot of confidence, and definitely will be a good flow to next week’s major.”
Last week’s champion Jin Young Ko threatened to challenge for the title on Sunday with a stunning eagle at 17, but it proved to be too little, too late.
Kia Classic report: Talking point
In a week where we saw Tiger Woods play a left-handed shot from a bush, Brittany Lang had something just as impressive up her sleeve.
Having found some pretty heavy shrubbery things looked bleak, and needing something special, the American did not disappoint.
Bushwhacker!
Check out this shot by @blanggolf to save par on the 18th @lpgakiaclassic!#SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/vrTZ7Bb6zt
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 30, 2019
What next for the LPGA?
It’s finally that time of year… major season.
This week the ladies are kicking off the summer in style at the ANA Inspiration in California.
Pernilla Lindberg will be looking to defend the title that she collected after an epic eight-hole play-off last year.
The ANA is no stranger to a tight finish with 12 of the last 17 tournaments being won by one-stroke or through a play-off.
Expect fireworks.
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