ADELAIDE, Australia — 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 Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrook, Que., and Americans Beth Allen and Marina Alex in the LPGA event.
Alena Sharp of Hamilton, Ont., finished three shots back and in a tie for 16th, while Brooke Henderson of Smith Falls, Ont., finished four shots off the pace in a group tied for 21st.
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.'”
The Associated Press
