Johnson Nets First LPGA Tour Title


Jennifer Johnson fired her second straight 7-under 65 to win the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic on the Crossings Course at Magnolia Grove - a stop on Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail - in Mobile. The victory was the first in Johnson's young pro career.

Johnson, a 21-year-old from San Diego, carded eight birdies and a bogey Sunday to finish at 21-under 267, two strokes ahead of Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum (63) and Jessica Korda (68). Johnson earned $180,000.

Sharing fourth at 269 were South Koreans Jiyai Shin (63) and 54-hole leader Chella Choi (70), Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn (65), Australia's Karrie Webb (68) and Sweden's Anna Nordqvist (69).

Johnson watched from alongside the 18th green as the only players - Nordqvist and Choi, both in the last group - who could tie her finished up. Either one had to hole-out their approach shots from the fairway for eagle to force a playoff. Neither did.

When that happened, Johnson - who had earned only $71,993 on the year before Mobile - elicited a big smile. "I'm just so happy and shocked . . . so glad I got my first win," she told a TV reporter.

"It's kind of the next step in my career," added the former Arizona State player and member of the 2010 U.S. Curtis Cup team. Then her friend, Lexi Thompson, splashed her with water.

Finishing in solo ninth at 17-under 271 was defending champion Stacy Lewis, who closed with a 67. Thompson, who shared the opening-round lead with South Korean Eun-Hee Ji, ended up T-10 with South Korea's Hee Kyung Seo (65).

For all the scores, visit www.lpga.com. ;