Kim Captures Evian Masters with Birdie on Final Hole


Hyo-Joo Kim birdied the 18th hole for her first victory, and it was a major. The 19-year-old South Korean finished with a 3-under 68 to edge Australian legend Karrie Webb and win the Evian Masters - the fifth and final major of the year on the LPGA Tour - at Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France.

Webb, who began the final round trailing Kim by a shot, enjoyed a one-stroke over her partner in the final group thanks to six birdies - and a double on the par-3 second hole - through 15 holes.

But after two pars on Nos. 16 and 17, the 39-year-old - seeking to become the first player in history to win six different major titles - missed a 12-footer for par on 18 that would have forced extra holes, giving Kim, who rolled in her 15-foot birdie try, the win.

Kim became the third-youngest LPGA major winner, trailing only Americans Morgan Pressel and Lexi Thompson. After receiving the Evian hardware and the $487,500 champion's check, Kim said through an interpreter, "I was flying like a bird."

Kim, who earns a one-year LPGA Tour exemption with the victory, finished at 11-under 273. Webb, who also closed with a 68, ended up a stroke back. The win was Kim's highest finish as a pro; she finished fourth as an amateur at the 2012 Evian Masters.

The normally rock-solid Webb, a 41-time LPGA winner with seven major titles and a spot in the World Golf Hall of Fame, said she misjudged her chip from off the 18th green and it went poorly from there. "It was a rush of adrenaline with the belly wedge and the putt was faster than I thought. It was a very poor putt and I knew I had to make for a playoff," she said of her par attempt.

"I had a lot of good shots and hit every green bar the second hole and it's obviously disappointing, but I gave myself a good chance."

Tied for third at 9-under were Ha Na Jang (66) and Mi Jung Hur (68), while another stroke back was fellow South Koreans Na Yeon Choi (67). Alone in sixth at 277 was defending champion Suzann Pettersen of Norway (67).

In seventh was American Paula Creamer (66), and sharing eighth at 280 were New Zealand teenager Lydia Ko and American Brittany Lincicome.

Lincicome, who carded rounds of 67 and 65 to supplant Kim atop the leaderboard entering the weekend, was in seemingly good position for her first victory since the Canadian Women's Open three years ago. But the 28-year-old Floridian finished with rounds of 77 and 71 to drop down the leaderboard.

No. 1-ranked Stacy Lewis also had a tough time Saturday and Sunday, posting two straight 73s to end up tied for 16th at 1-under 283. No. 2 Inbee Park ended up at 2-under after rounds of 69 and 72.

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