Los Angeles (AFP) – Brooke Henderson used a brilliant putting game to become a first-time major champion, edging Lydia Ko in a playoff to capture the Women’s PGA Championship.
The 18-year-old Canadian on Sunday claimed the title when she rolled in a short birdie putt on the first playoff hole at the Sahalee Country Club course near Seattle, Washington.
Henderson hit a superb approach on No. 18 as her ball landed about 20 feet inside of Ko’s ball and just three feet from the cup. World number one Ko settled for par on the playoff hole.
Henderson’s victory capped a fantastic day for the young guns on the LPGA Tour as the three leaders down the stretch on the final day were all 20 or younger.
Henderson closed with a six-under 65 Sunday to finish in a tie with a six-under 278 total. She had to come from behind to beat Ko as she forced the playoff by draining a 50-foot putt on No. 17 and then making a dramatic par-save on 18.
New Zealand’s Ko, who was seeking to win her third consecutive major championship, fired a four-under 67 on Sunday.
Ko took a one shot lead into the final round and led for most of Sunday before Henderson made a late move.
Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn, who was looking for her fourth straight victory on the Tour, finished third just one shot off the leaders at five-under 279.
A trio of South Koreans tied for fourth at two-under 282, comprising Lee Mi-Rim (69), Ryu So-Yeon (67), Park Hee-Young (66).
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