Wie Wins 1st LPGA Title, Shin 3rd
By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Entering the Lorena Ochoa Invitational, all eyes were on the race for the player of the year honors between Shin Ji-yai and Lorena Ochoa.
But Michelle Wie stole the spotlight as the 20-year-old Korean-American claimed her career-first victory of the LPGA Tour in Mexico, Monday (KST).
Wie fired a 3-under 69 for a 13-under 275 total to defeat Solheim Cup teammate Paula Creamer by two.
"It's definitely (a monkey) off my back," said Wie, who earned $220,000 for the win.
"I think that hopefully life will be a lot better, but I still have a lot of work to do. I still have a lot to improve. It just feels so great right now."
Since playing in the women's professional golf circuit in 2002, the Hawaii native has notched six runner-up finishes and six third-place showings.
Wie's season highs were second places from the SBS Open in February and Navistar LPGA Classic last month.
"I went through some ups and downs. It was a great learning experience for me this year," said Wie, who entered the league with great fanfare but self-destructed into mediocrity by dabbling in the men's fields. "And obviously this tournament is the icing on top of the cake. "
Shin, who entered the final round one shot off the lead, had a round of 71 to tie for third with Americans Cristie Kerr and Morgan Pressel, while host and world No. 1 Ochoa of Mexico closed out the tournament in a share of sixth place at 281.
The 21-year-old, who has already won the rookie of the year award, has a slim 156-148 point lead over Ochoa, who is seeking to become the season's best golfer for the fourth straight year. The race will be decided at this season's final event, the LPGA Tour Championship, in Houston next week
Kim Song-hee, the first round leader, finished six back, and Hur Mi-jung and Kim In-kyung tied for 10th at 283.
Wie, an overnight leader, finished the front nine with a two-under 34 and grabbed a one-shot advantage over Kerr and Creamer on the 11th hole, but her poor drive into the trees on the next hole resulted in a bogey.
The 6-foot golfer, who has often faltered after a shaky moment, remained calm.
She saved five straight pars from the 13th, and closed it with a six-inch birdie for her first-ever title, raising her arms in victory.
Meanwhile, Shin has added the Tour's money title to her already brilliant first-year career achievements.
After tying for third in Mexico, she received $65,936 for a total of $1,775,104 this season.
Runner-up Kerr is sitting at $1,495,812, which means Shin has the money race wrapped up, as the final tournament's winner's check is $225,000. Shin becomes the first South Korea to finish the year atop the money list in the LPGA.