Korda Edges Lewis in Bahamas Classic


Jessica Korda birdied the last hole to edge fellow American Stacy Lewis by a stroke to win the Bahamas LPGA Classic. The season opener on the LPGA Tour took place on the Atlantis Resort's Ocean Club course in the Bahamas.

Korda , a 20-year-old Floridian, carded four birdies on the front nine to make the turn in 4-under 32. She added four more birdies on the back, with her only dropped shot coming on the par-4 13th.

Korda swept to her second career victory with three birdies on the final four holes, finishing at 19-under 273. Lewis also shot 66 but ended up a stroke back.

Korda's key play came with her third shot from behind the 18th green. An official and a TV announcer had to hold up electrical cords that would have interfered with her stroke. She putted under the wires to six feet and sank the winning birdie.

"That was different," Korda said of the unusual situation. "It was like jump rope. Incredible! I could barely put the golf club down and line up."

"I'm really just trying to hit good golf shots and get that swing down," added Korda, who earned $195,000 for her second career victory and first since the 2012 Women's Australian Open.

Lewis took $120,655, while tying for third at 276 were Pornanong Phatlum (67), Paula Creamer (71), Lizette Salas (71) and Na Neon Choi. Choi began the final round with a one-stroke lead over Salas but closed with a 72.

Making her debut as a full-fledged LPGA member, 16-year-old Lydia Ko from New Zealand shot a 68 to end up tied for seventh at 15-under 277. Her first check as an LPGA pro was for $31,543.

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