LPGA TOUR
Bailey Tardy Scores Maiden LPGA Tour Win. Minjee Lee T4
America’s Bailey Tardy broke through for her first LPGA Tour victory at the Blue Bay LPGA on China’s southern island of Hainan. The 27-year-old blitzed the field on Sunday to win by four shots. Tardy, who is into her second season on the LPGA Tour, fired an impressive 7-under 65 final round that was one shot off the course record. The world No. 169 started her round with seven consecutive pars before unleashing one eagle and six birdies en route to her emotional win. Tardy completed the event at 19-under.
Compatriot Sarah Schmelzel put up a wonderful performance carding a 3-under 69 while playing in the final group. Schmelzel rolled in a birdie at the final green to get to 15-under and take outright second place. It was the 29-year-old’s best finish on the LPGA Tour event.
Japan’s Ayaka Furue posted a 7-under 65 final round to advance to 14-under and claim solo third place.
Australia’s Minjee Lee signed for a 4-under 68 to get to 13-under and share fourth place with Canada’s Savannah Grewal and New Zealand’s Lydia Ko. Ko, who led the field into Sunday, was looking 21st win on the LPGA Tour which would earn her enough points to qualify for entry into the LPGA’s Hall of Fame.
The LPGA Tour returns to the USA for the FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship to be staged at Palos Verdes Golf Club, California. China’s Running Yin is the defending champion.
Final Scores
1. Bailey Tardy -19
2. Sarah Schmelzel -15
3. Ayaka Furue -14
T4. Savannah Grewal -13
T4. Minjee Lee -13
T4. Lydia Ko -13
Other Australians
T15. Gabriela Ruffels -7
MC. Karis Davidson
MC. Robyn Choi
Image Credit: Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images
