LPGA TOUR
CME Group Tour Championship
Ko Wins Record Purse At Season-Ender
Lydia Ko outclassed an elite field to win the CME Group Tour Championship by two shots. With the win at the LPGA Tour’s season-ending event, the 25-year-old New Zealander earned US$2 million—the largest winner’s cheque in the history of women’s golf.
Ko recorded her 19th LPGA Tour title after rounds of 65, 66, 70 and 70 to reach 17-under. The former world No. 1 outplayed Ireland’s Leona Maguire on Sunday after the pair held the co 54-hole lead. Maguire posted two birdies and two bogeys during the final round for an even par 72. The 27-year-old, who won her maiden LPGA Tour title at the Drive On Championship in February this year, fired a stunning 9-under 63 on Saturday to move into contention. Maquire will bank the runner up cheque of US$550,000.
Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist claimed solo third place one shot further back at 14-under. The LPGA Tour veteran closed the event with a marvelous 5-under 67.
Ko’s final round 2-under 70 included back-to-back birdies at the 16th and 17th holes. With the win, the Kiwi becomes the second player to win the CME Group Tour Championship. Ko also ends the 2022 season with her second Rolex Player of the Year award and second consecutive Vare Trophy and the Official Money Title.
Australia’s Hannah Green and Minjee Lee took a share of 33rd place at 1-under for the event.
Final Scores
CME Group Tour Championship
1. Lydia Ko -17
2. Leona Maguire -15
3. Anna Nordqvist -14
T4. Georgia Hall -12
T4. Jeongeun Lee6 -12
6. Pajaree Anannarukarn -10
T7. Brooke Henderson -9
T7. Gemma Dryburgh -9
T7. Hyo Joo Kim -9
Australians
T33. Hannah Green -1
T33. Minjee Lee -1
Photo credit: Michael Reaves / Getty Images
