Lee Wins Inaugural Miejer LPGA Classic


Mirim Lee got up and down out of a bunker for a birdie on the second playoff hole to edge fellow South Korean Inbee Park. The $1.5 million, 72-hole LPGA Tour event took place at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Lee closed with a 2-under 69 to tie Park, who shot a 70, at 14-under 270. On the first playoff hole, the par-4 18th, both players parred to move on to the short par-4 17th. From a left-hand bunker very near the lip, Lee splashed out to five feet and made the putt, while Park carded a par.

The victory, worth $225,000, was the first for Lee, a rookie on the LPGA Tour. In halting English, Lee told a TV reporter of her thoughts on the winning putt, "One-hundred percent nervous, though very exciting round . . . I'm so happy."

Norway's Suzann Pettersen had a chance to join the playoff, but the 33-year-old from Oslo bogeyed the 16th and parred out from there for a 69 and a 13-under total.of 271 for solo third.

Four strokes behind was Japan's Haru Nomura (68), while five back were Germany's Sandra Gal (66), Finland's Line Vedel (70) and South Korean Amy Yang (68). China's Shanshan Feng (66) ended up in solo eighth at 276.

Sharing ninth at 277 were the highest-finishing Americans, Kris Tamulis (67) and Cristie Kerr (69).

Top-ranked Stacy Lewis had her best round of the tournament, closing with a 66 to tie for 11th at 6-under.

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