Minjee Lee wins the LPGA's LA Open
Australian Minjee Lee has won for the fifth time on the LPGA Tour after she sealed a four-shot victory at the LA Open.
The 22-year-old Australian made a 15-foot birdie putt on the par-3 18th to close with a three-under 68 and finish at 14-under 270.
Lee was projected to jump from fourth to a career-high second in the world rankings when they are released on Monday after her fourth top-three finish in her past seven starts.
"I've been hitting it pretty solid and playing pretty solid, and I felt like (a win) was close. I feel pretty good with this one," Lee told Golf Channel.
"For the rest of the year I will do my best, have fun and try and get a couple of more wins."
Lee acknowledged the role legendary Australian golfer Karrie Webb has played in her life and her career, having been a Webb Scholarship player in the past.
"She (Webb) was pretty much my first role model, coming from Australia," she told Golf Australia.
"I mean, she’s one of the best. It’s really special for her, being around in my life. I got the pleasure to play on tour with her at the same time and that’s pretty special for me."
Sei Young Kim was second. The South Korean birdied Nos.13-15 to pull within two strokes, but parred 16 and 17 and bogeyed the 18th for a 66.
Annie Park (67) and Morgan Pressel (68) tied for third at nine under.
Lee's young countrywoman Hannah Green, who shared the lead after round one, carded an even-par 71 in the final round to finish in a tie for 14th and four under.
Lee led the last three days at Wilshire Country Club, shooting 66-69-67, to take a one-stroke advantage over Nanna Koerstz Madsen into the final round.
Koerstz Madsen shot a 76 to finish 13th at five under. She was trying to become the first Danish winner of an LPGA event.
AP