Jodi Ewart Shadoff of England led wire to wire at the LPGA Mediheal Championship and held on by a single stroke to win her first career LPGA title on Sunday in Somis, Calif.
Ewart Shadoff, a 34-year-old tour veteran, posted a 1-under 71 Sunday to finish at 15-under 273, a course record at The Saticoy Club.
After making two bogeys and a birdie on her front nine, birdies at the par-4 12th and par-5 14th gave Ewart Shadoff just enough cushion over the late-charging Yuka Saso of Japan (14-under 274). Saso birdied four of her final five holes to polish off a final-round 66.
But clinging to the lead at the par-5 18th, Ewart Shadoff reached the green in three, lagged a birdie putt close to the cup and made a tap-in to clinch the victory.
“That last 1-footer felt like 20 feet to me,” Ewart Shadoff said.
Georgia Hall of England and Paula Reto of South Africa also threatened to chase down the leader.
Hall birdied five of her last seven holes during a bogey-free 65, and Reto was tied with Ewart Shadoff at 15 under before consecutive bogeys at the par-4 16th and 17th holes. She finished with a 69, tied for third at 13 under with Hall and Danielle Kang (67).
Hall’s 65 was the low round of the day.
“I’m playing really well and it’s really nice to be in contention, to feel that even a birdie on the last could put me tied first,” Hall said. “So just really happy the way I played the whole week. Very consistent.”
Ewart Shadoff said she had to overcome plenty of obstacles to realize her dream of winning an LPGA tournament.
“I’ve been through a lot in the past couple of years, specifically injuries … Last year was really tough. I found that a pretty significant mental challenge, to get through that,” Ewart Shadoff said.
“There were times during last year where I didn’t think that I was gonna be playing this year. So to be stood here today, it’s really awesome I didn’t give up on myself. I just have a lot of people to be grateful for. Everybody on my team who’s stood by me and made me believe in myself when I really didn’t.”
Ewart Shadoff is the 24th different player to win on tour this season and the 10th first-time winner of the year.
–Field Level Media