By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Lee Bo-mee claimed her first KLPGA career win at the Nefs Masterpiece on Jeju Island after defeating 2008 U.S. Open champion Park In-bee in a playoff.
Tying at 12-under 204 after three rounds, Lee, who turned 21 on Friday, saved par on the second hole of the playoff, while Park, 21, made bogey, to earn a 100-million-won ($80,000) winner's check, which catapulted her to third place in the money rankings with 169 million won.
Lee, a co-leader of the second round with Park, had a bogey-free round of 69 and had a hard-fought race with the LPGA player.
Lee, a second-year pro, jumped out of a lone lead after birdying the 17th but Park's three straight birdies on the final three holes forced extra holes.
Both parred the first playoff hole, which took place on the par-4 18th green, where they then contested a second hole and their approach shots found the green.
After missing a birdie putt, Lee sank a 2-meter par to clinch the title, while Park failed to make her par putt.
"I think I received my birthday present a little bit late. I really wanted to triumph,'' Lee said.
"As I have now claimed my long-awaited first title, I want to take a shot at three.''
Two-time winner Seo Hee-kyung finished 13th with a 1-under 215, while KLPGA money leader Ryu So-yeon, who was at even par, came in 14th.
LPGA players Oh Ji-young and Kim Song-hee failed to meet expectations after firing a 1-over and a 3-over, respectively.
Meanwhile, the tournament produced five hole-in-ones over a three-day run - three in the first round and two in the third.