Inbee Park Takes Evian Masters


Inbee Park began the final round of the Evian Masters tied for the lead with Stacy Lewis, but the South Korean closed with a 6-under 66 to get her first victory since the 2008 U.S. Women's Open.

The 24-year-old totaled 17-under 271 over 72 holes at Evian-les-Bains in France to finish two strokes ahead of Lewis (68) and Karrie Webb (67). The victory, Park's second on the LPGA Tour, was worth $487,500.

"It feels great," said Park, who on Sunday carded two bogeys and seven birdies - including three straight on the closing holes. "It was four years ago but it feels longer than that. I finished the round with some really strong putting."

China's Shanshan Feng shot a 66 to tie for fourth at 14-under 274 with Natalie Gulbis (68) and 17-year-old Korean amateur Hyo Joo Kim (68). Feng eagled the par-5 18th after holing out from a greenside bunker. Foo, who plans to turn pro in September, carded four birdies, including three on her final four holes.

Anna Nordqvist took solo seventh at 276 after a 68, while right behind at 11-under was Se Ri Pak (769). Beatriz Recari (66), Ilhee Lee (69) and Paula Creamer (70) shared ninth at 10-under 278.

American Cristie Kerr began the final round only two shots behind Park and Lewis, but posted an even-par 72 to end up tied for 12th with Giulia Sergas (67), Karine Icher (69) and Momoko Ueda (69).

The Evian Masters will become the LPGA Tour's fifth major in 2013, and that wasn't lost on Park. "I'll feel really special playing this event as a defending champion," said Park. "I'm really excited for this tournament, because they're redoing all the golf course and all that to make it a major."

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