PAR PUTT ON 18 LIFTS STANFORD TO LPGA VICTORY
MOBILE, Ala. — Angela Stanford won the Bell Micro LPGA Classic on Sunday for her second career LPGA Tour title, holing a 3 1/2-foot par putt on the final hole for a 1-over-par 73 and a one-stroke victory over China’s Shanshan Feng.
“It’s been so long,” said Stanford, who won the 2003 ShopRite LPGA Classic.
The 30-year- old Texan, four strokes ahead entering the day after consecutive 67s in the second and third rounds, had an 11-under 277 total on The Crossings course at Magnolia Grove. She earned $210,000.
Feng, 19, birdied the 18th for a 68.
Kim Hall was third at 8 under after a 69, and Hee Young Park (70), Danielle Downey (70) and Katherine Hull (73) followed at 7 under.
Stanford had four birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey in the final round.
“I’m more relieved than excited. I’m just relieved that I did it again,” Stanford said.
Eaks overcomes conditions
CONOVER, N.C. — R.W. Eaks successfully defended his Greater Hickory Classic title, closing with a 1-under 71 in windy conditions for a four-stroke victory over Tom Jenkins and Tom Kite.
Eaks, 56, a former Northern Colorado athlete, had a 16-under 200 total on the Rock Barn Golf and Spa course and earned $255,000 for his second win of the year. He has four Champions Tour victories, all coming in the last two years.
Karlsson ends drought
PULHEIM, Germany — Sweden’s Robert Karlsson won the Mercedes-Benz Championship for his first victory in two years, shooting a 1-under 71 for a two-stroke victory in the European Tour event.
Ryder course damaged
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Strong wind felled a TV tower and trees at Valhalla Golf Club on Sunday, five days before the start of the Ryder Cup.
Kerry Haigh, managing director of championships and business development for the PGA of America said the television tower fell on the 12th hole.
The Ryder Cup matches between the United States and Europe will open Friday.
The Associated Press
