Ha Na Jang wins women's Australian Open by 3 shots
Ha Na Jang of South Korea celebrates with her trophy after winning the Women's Australian Open during round four of the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open at Royal Adelaide Golf Club on February 19, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. [Photo/VCG] |
ADELAIDE — Ha Na Jang had an eagle and three birdies over her last six holes in a superb finish Sunday that set up a three-shot victory in the Women's Australian Open.
"It's a really good, strong finish. That is why it's good sport today," the South Korean said after closing with a 4-under 69 to finish at 10 under at Royal Adelaide.
No 6-ranked Jang regained her composure after opening with a bogey in the last round and finished three shots ahead of Nanna Madsen of Denmark, who finished with an even-par 73 for a 7-under total 285.
"The first hole I was very nervous on the tee because I want to make birdie at every hole, more aggressive and try that," said Jang, who claimed her fourth LPGA title and her first of the year. "After hole No 1 it's really tough day."Haru Nomura, the 2016 champion, closed with a 73 to finish in a four-way tie for third place at 6 under with No. 2-ranked Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand and Australians Minjee Lee and Sarah Jane Smith.
Lizette Salas started Sunday with a two-stroke lead but struggled in the last round and closed with a 5-over 78 to fade into a share of seventh place at 5 under with six others, including fellow Americans Beth Allen, Marina Alex and Canadian Maude-Aimee Leblanc in the LPGA event.
Top-ranked Lydia Ko, with a new coach and new clubs, finished well off the pace at 2 over with rounds of 71, 75, 73 and 75.
"It was my first tournament back," Ko said. "I think there are a lot of positive things to look at rather than thinking 'hey, I shot over par.'"