Most 19-year-olds celebrate their birthday at a club of sorts. For young American Alexa Pano, Galgorm Castle Golf Club, Northern Ireland, was the scene of her birthday to remember as she won the ISPS Handa World Invitational. It was the LPGA Tour rookie’s maiden victory.
Pano, a former Junior Solheim Cup player, overcame Germany’s Esther Henseleit and England’s Gabriella Cowley at the third playoff hole. The trio finished the 72 holes of regulation play at 8-under. Pano fired 6-under 66 on Sunday to reach extra holes. The stunning round featured nine birdies including two in her final two holes. Henseleit, a two-time LET winner who also finished off her round with two birdies, signed for a final round 3-under 69. Cowley’s finish went one better. The 27-year-old closed out her Sunday with a birdie, eagle finish. Pano scored a birdie, par and birdie during the playoff, staged at the 18th hole.
Karis Davidson (73) and Su Oh (74) produced the best result out of the contingent from Australia. Both players ended the week in a tie for 34th place at +4.
The LPGA Tour moves to Canada for next week’s CPKC Women’s Open to be staged at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club. South Africa’s Paula Reto is the defending champion.
1. Alexa Pano -8
T2. Esther Henseleit -8
T2. Gabriella Cowley -8
4. Ryan O’Toole -7
5. Olivia Cowan -6
T6. Azahara Munoz -5
T6. Diksha Dagar -5
Australians
T34. Karis Davidson +4
T34. Su Oh +4
MC. Sarah Kemp
MC. Sarah Jane Smith
Photo credit: Andrew Redington/ Getty Images
