Tseng sets LPGA record
PITTSFORD, N.Y.— When Yani Tseng bought idol Annika Sorenstam’s home in Florida two years ago, she wondered how she’d ever fill the huge trophy case that came with it.
At the rate Tseng’s going, the world’s best female player might need to add another wing.
“Yes, I think so,” Tseng said. “It’s very lucky to buy her house now.”
By winning the LPGA Championship in dominating style Sunday, the 22-year-old from Taiwan became the youngest to win four LPGA majors. That’s better than Se Ri Pak, who won her fourth at 24, and well ahead of Sorenstam, who was 24 when she claimed the first of her 10 majors — the 1995 U.S. Women’s Open.
Sorenstam’s a believer in calling Tseng “the new face of the LPGA,” during a phone interview with Golf Channel while the final round was being broadcast
And no one’s in a position to argue after Tseng eclipsed the field in closing with a 6-under-66 for a 19-under 269 at Locust Hill Country Club outside of Rochester. She won by 10 strokes, and matched the LPGA record for lowest score in relation to par at a major that was set three previous times. Cristie Kerr shot 269 on this same course to win the LPGA Championship a year ago by 12 strokes, while Dottie Pepper (1999 Kraft Nabisco) and Karen Stupples (2004 Women’s British Open) also finished at 19 under.
Morgan Pressel (71) finished second. Kerr (69), Suzann Pettersen (67) and Paula Creamer (69) tied for third at 8 under.
“Pretty unbelievable,” said Kerr, who rallied late with a birdie on No. 16 and an eagle on 17. “Yani’s doing what I did last year. Obviously, it’s hard to beat. I’m not surprised. Yani’s a great player.”
And Kerr saw it coming after first playing a round with Tseng in South Korea seven years ago.
“We knew she was going to be good. I didn’t know she would be this good,” Kerr said. “She is pretty dang good.”
It was Tseng’s eighth career LPGA Tour victory, second in a row and third of the season. She has three other victories this year, sweeping the Australian Open and Masters and winning in Taiwan.
Tseng won her second LPGA championship, after winning it as a rookie in 2008, and has claimed three of the tour’s last six majors. She also moved into a tie for 15th among women with four majors, joining a group of six others, including Laura Davies and Meg Mallon.
Missing only a U.S. Open title victory, Tseng will have an opportunity to complete her career slam in two weeks at Colorado Springs, Colo.
Claiming $375,000 this weekend, Tseng went wire-to-wire as the tournament leader after opening with rounds of 66, 70 and 67.
