Kim Survives Playoff, Earns First Title in Nine Years


Christina Kim was not to be denied. Even though it wasn't a cruise down victory lane Sunday, the 30-year-old managed to hang on and survive a playoff with China's Shanshan Feng and win the Lorena Ochoa Invitational. The $1 million, 36-player LPGA Tour event took place at Club de Golf Mexico in Mexico City.

After entering the final round with a five-stroke lead thanks to scores of 7-under 65, 69 and 68, Kim closed with a 1-under 71 to end up tied in regulation with Feng at 15-under 273 thanks to Feng's closing 66.

On the first sudden-death playoff hole, the par-4 18th, each carded pars and then played the hole again. Kim posted another par, while Feng got a bogey, giving Kim her first win since the 2005 Mitchell Company Tournament of Champions.

The wire-to-wire victory for Kim was worth $200,000. The first career title for the San Jose, Calif., native came at the 2004 Longs Drugs Challenge.

Kim had a wild final round, posting six birdies and five bogeys. Her bogey on the 72nd hole set up the tie with Feng, who carded five birdies - including four on the back nine to tie Kim, an eagle on the par-5 second and a bogey. Feng won in Malaysia last month.

"I just turned 30, so life's just started," said Kim at greenside. "I'm in my second act . . . This is the greatest win in my life, without a doubt."

It's hard to believe but the outwardly ebullient Kim has battled depression and even contemplated suicide. "I can't put into words how I'm feeling right now." Kim said. "I'm still riding so many emotions. It feels surreal. I can't explain. I'm so overwhelmed right now. I'm so proud and honored to be a champion for such an incredible tournament."

Finishing four strokes out of the playoff was No. 1-ranked Inbee Park, who shot a 68, while six back were American Brittany Lang (69) and Park's fellow South Korean, So Yeon Ryu (71).

Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum (72) took sixth at 280, while another stroke back were Jenny Shin (68) and Spain's Azahara Munoz (73). Angela Stanford (68) and Lydia Ko (72) shared ninth at 283.

No. 2-ranked Stacy Lewis had a 75 to finish tied for 28th in the 36-player field at 291, and Michelle Wie recorded a 72 to share 15th at 285.

Lewis and Park entered the tournament ranked first and second in the Race to the CME Globe, with Ko third. The LPGA Tour's 2014 season will conclude next week with the CME Globe Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Fla.

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