Castren becomes first from Finland to win on LPGA Tour
Last updated on: 14 June,2021 09:01 am
Castren becomes first from Finland win LPGA Tour
SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Matilda Castren fired a 65 on Sunday, capturing the Mediheal Championship by two strokes to become the first Finnish player to win on the LPGA Tour.
The 26-year-old Castren, who started the day two shots back, finished at 14-under 274 at the Lake Merced Golf Club in San Francisco.
"I can t believe this is happening," said Castren, who was making just her 15th start on the Tour. "I knew one day it may be me but I didn t think it would be so soon.
"I just played hole by hole and tried to stay really patient. I was thinking about winning the whole day. I just tried to focus on one shot at a time and it just happened."
Castren got off to a hot start and was five under through the first five holes. She made birdie on the first three holes and then made a short eagle putt on the par-five fifth.
She made the turn at a sizzling 30, compiling a three-shot lead over third round leader Lee Min of Taiwan.
Castren and Lee duelled all round but in the end Lee fell just shy. Her 25-foot putt for eagle on 18 stopped an inch short of the hole. Lee dropped to her knees in disbelief.
Up next, Castren calmly knocked in a final birdie putt to cap off a sizzling round.
"I mean, winning a tournament you have to practice," said Lee, "This is a great practice. Maybe after couple times I will be there."
Ryu So-Yeon, of South Korea, and Aussie Hannah Green, both majors winners, finished in a tie for third at eight under.