Kim Sei-Young continued her superb play in playoffs by defeating Carlota Ciganda Sunday on the first extra hole to earn her second victory of the season at the Meijer LPGA Classic. The 23-year-old South Korean improved to 3-0 in playoffs after closing with a three-under 68 to claim her fifth career USLPGA Tour crown.
Both her previous playoff wins came in 2015.
Kim managed to shake off a bogey on 18 which set the stage for the playoff in Belmont, Michigan. “I set my goal of no bogeys and the last one I missed with a bogey,” Kim said.
“But I bounced back so it was good work. I did well today.”
Kim and Spain’s Ciganda finished regulation tied at 17-under par 267. Ciganda shot a final round four-under 67.
Kim rolled in a birdie on the playoff hole after finding the tall grass on her drive.
Ciganda’s second shot sailed over the green while Kim landed her approach three feet from the pin. Ciganda finished with a bogey. “It was 109 yards to the pin. I did it, it worked,” said Kim.
Ciganda, from Spain, parred the final five holes in a bogey-free round.
She remained winless on the tour and picked up her fourth runner-up finish.
“One person has to win and if you can’t win, second is the best,” Ciganda said.
“I’ll keep trying and just keep playing golf.”
South Korea’s Chun In-Gee, who was tied for the third-round lead with defending champion Lexi Thompson, had a 71 to finish third at 15 under.
She bogeyed two of the first four holes. Thompson, who played through the pain of a sore back, shot a 72 to tie for fourth with top-ranked Lydia Ko at 14 under.
Ko, of New Zealand, shot a 68.
Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn, third last week after winning her previous three tournaments, tied for 18th at seven under after a 68.