Inbee Park Runner-Up "9-Under Par Storm Shots"... Lydia Ko's 7-Stroke Victory Margin

Lotte Championship Final Day: Kim Se-young and Korda Tied for 2nd, Shin Ji-eun Tied for 6th, 'US Women's Open Champ' Kim A-rim "First Top 10 Entry"

World No. 2 Inbee Park fired a 9-under-par on the final day of the Lotte Championship to finish as the runner-up.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "9-under par storm shots."

World No. 2 Inbee Park (33, KB Financial Group) made a late surge. On the 18th (Korean time) at Kapolei Golf Club (par 72, 6,397 yards) on Oahu Island, Hawaii, USA, during the final day of the LPGA Tour Lotte Championship (total prize money $2 million), she fired a 9-under par round to leap into a tie for 2nd place (21-under par 267). Lydia Ko (New Zealand) secured a commanding victory by 7 strokes (28-under par 260). This marks her first top finish since the Mediheal Championship in April 2018, a gap of three years.

Starting from a tie for 16th, Park collected 1 eagle and 7 birdies. She opened the scoring early with consecutive birdies on holes 5 and 6. Following birdies on holes 8 and 13, she made an eagle on the 14th hole (par 5), then added three consecutive birdies from holes 16 to 18. Although she missed the green five times, she remarkably saved all her scores. Her long drives reached up to 263 yards, iron shot green hit rate was 72.22%, and most notably, her 23 ‘stingy putts’ stood out.

After winning the Kia Classic last month on her first start and finishing tied for 7th at the first major ANA Inspiration on the 5th, Park has entered the top 10 in three consecutive tournaments this 2021 season. Her 1-under par on the first day was somewhat disappointing. Park herself said, "I finished rounds 2 to 4 really well," adding, "I gained a definite winning shot feel ahead of next week's Hugel-Air Premia LA Open." She expressed confidence, saying, "Early season results will work in my favor."

Lydia Ko is cheering while holding the trophy immediately after winning the Lotte Championship. Kapolei (Hawaii, USA) = Getty Images / Multibits

Lydia Ko appears to be emerging from a slump. In 2016, she won four times including one major, but after changing her coach, caddie, and golf clubs at the end of the year as a strategic move, she ended up winless in 2017. She barely reached her 15th career win at the 2018 Mediheal Championship but has since only finished runner-up four times, causing frustration. However, on this day, leading by one stroke, she displayed a perfect 7-under par performance. The winner's prize money is $300,000 (approximately 335 million KRW).

Se-young Kim (28, Mediheal) and Nelly Korda (USA) tied for 2nd place, while Ji-eun Shin (29) finished tied for 6th (19-under par 269). Domestic fans are interested in Ah-rim Kim (26), who tied for 10th (18-under par 270). She caused a stir with a surprise win at the last major of the 2020 season, the US Women's Open, in December last year. This year, after moving to the US, she faced difficulties, missing the cut in two consecutive tournaments. Hee-young Yang (32) also joined the tie for 10th place.