[ad_1]
South Korea’s Kim A-lim (R) plays her shot from the first tee during the second round of the 75th US Open Golf Championship for Women in Houston, Texas on December 11, 2020. / CFP
South Korea’s Kim A-lim (R) plays her shot from the first tee during the second round of the 75th US Open Golf Championship for Women in Houston, Texas on December 11, 2020. / CFP
South Korean Kim A-lim birdied her final three holes to come back and win the US Women’s Open Golf Championship by one stroke and claim her first major title in Houston on Monday.
Kim started the final round five strokes back and was behind USA leader Amy Olson by two strokes through 15 holes when she caught fire on a cold morning to finish the final round with 67.
Kim tied the record for longest comeback in the tournament. The final round of the event, which was rescheduled from June to December due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was delayed one day due to bad weather.
“I’m very happy,” said Kim, 25, who was making her debut at the tournament.
“Through COVID-19 we had a lot of difficulties, but I am glad we had the US Women’s Open in Houston. It was a great victory.”
Kim A-lim of South Korea during the final round of the 75th U.S. Open Women’s Golf Championship in Houston, Texas on December 14, 2020. / CFP
Kim A-lim of South Korea during the final round of the 75th U.S. Open Golf Championship for Women in Houston, Texas on December 14, 2020. / CFP
Kim said he was aware he was losing his way to the final three holes and said he knew he would have to step up his game to win the trophy and the $ 1 million prize pool.
“I had been looking at the leaderboard the entire round and I knew how many shots I had,” he said.
“That’s probably why I tried to hit more aggressively, tried to hit the pins more.”
The result was heartbreaking for Olson, who was mourning the passing of her father-in-law, who passed away unexpectedly on Saturday.
“Coming out this morning I had no idea what to expect,” said Olson, who finished his round of 72 with a birdie.
“It was one of those things where I felt very weak and powerless the last few days, and probably the same thing happened today on the golf course.
“I really believe the Lord helped me. It just makes you realize how important life is than golf. But I’m satisfied with my overall result.”
Amy Olson of the USA plays her shot during the final round of the 75th US Women’s Open Golf Championship in Houston, Texas on December 14, 2020. / CFP
Amy Olson of the USA plays her shot during the final round of the 75th USA Open Golf Championship for Women in Houston, Texas on December 14, 2020. / CFP
It was the third top-10 in a major for Olson, who is still seeking his first victory on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour.
World No. 1 Ko Jin-young of South Korea birdied two of her last three holes to finish tied for second alongside Olson.
South Korea is a major force in the tournament, having produced 10 of the last 16 winners.
Japan’s Hinako Shibuno and American Megan Khang completed the top five at the Champions Golf Club, which had no spectators due to the pandemic.
Source (s): Reuters
