Somi Lee and Jin Hee Im won a historic victory at the Dow Championship. This victory represents their first Championship in America! The event, the only such official team competition on the LPGA schedule, came to a dramatic finish on Sunday. Lee sealed the win with an incredible 8-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole. Both clubs had concluded regulation time in a draw, creating the conditions for his unmistakable act.
Together, the dynamic duo happens to be in their second year on the LPGA Tour. They ended the tournament with a blistering 20-under 260. This score didn’t accurately represent the initial score everyone threw at the very beginning of competition. Albane Valenzuela and Sarah Schmelzel took command of the lead heading into a Finals round earlier in the competition. They finished strong with a remarkable 66 hole finish with a finishing count of 66.
Hwang and Chang took turns airing birdie chances on the 18th hole in regulation. Through all of the pressure put on them, they never panicked and they never lost their focus. Lee’s co-lead on the 17th with a 10-foot birdie putt set the stage for an epic finish. That playoff success finds them ripe with potential. Beyond the financial reward, it represents an important victory as they make their way forward in their blossoming careers.
Jin Hee Im arrives at this victory with a strong resume, including six KLPGA titles. Somi Lee is not far behind, with five KLPGA wins to her name. Their experience paired with talent rendered them a lethal pair the entire tournament.
In an unexpected development, it was Lexi Thompson who was very much the tournament’s black sheep. She ended up third behind Lee and Im and just outside her first LPGA victory in six years. Lindy Duncan and Miranda Wang had a stellar day in better ball, shooting a 59 to lead the team. Their performance exemplified the competitive spirit of this special event.
It was a hard fought, yet positive Dow Championship that will serve as a great experience to all competitors. Khang on the disappointment of not being able to force a second playoff hole.
“Bummer to miss the last one in the playoff to force another hole, but very happy how we played,” – Khang
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