Aug 17, 2008 - 10:42 PM
0 shoutsOTTAWA (Ticker) -- Katherine Hull parlayed a steady final-round performance into her first career LPGA Tour title.
Hull fired a 3-under-par 69 and won the Canadian Women's Open on Sunday.
At 11-under 277, Hull finished a stroke ahead of Se Ri Pak. Yani Tseng, who entered the day with a four-stroke advantage, stumbled to a 77 and finished third at 9-under.
"I'm shocked that it actually happened, but obviously this is a dream come true," Hull said. "I mean, it's just something that probably all of us out here just dream about as kids. To finally have it come to reality is just amazing. I can't put it into words right now."
Hull had three birdies on the front nine and added one more coming in. She had just one bogey, playing steady golf while Pak and Tseng did anything but.
"Obviously today I was what, six shots back? I was just going out there and trying to play the best I could," Hull said. "I honestly didn't expect to win at all, but that's the way golf goes.
"Four rounds and 72 holes anything can happen. You've got to be patient. Fortunately for me I was able to close it out. "
Pak birdied the final two holes for an even-par 72, but was just not able to overcome her mistakes. She bogeyed Nos. 4 and 5 and then carded a double-bogey at the par-5 sixth. She had three birdies in four holes starting at the seventh to get back in the hunt but a bogey at 16 ultimately left her a little short.
"Overall, I mean, I think basically I had a great week," Pak said. "I didn't get a trophy, but I'm still happy about the way I finished."
Tseng started her round with a big lead but wasted little time giving it all back. she had five bogeys, including three straight on the front nine, a double-bogey and just two birdies.
Tseng was looking for her second win of the season. She won the LPGA Championship and was coming off a second-place finish at the Women's British Open.
Looking to defend her title, Lorena Ochoa shot 73 and finished tied for fourth at 7-under. The world's top-ranked player, Ochoa was looking for her seventh win.
"For some reason I only made two birdies in 36 holes," Ochoa said. "It was very different the first two days. That's the way life is, and I can't complain. It's really been a great week. Beautiful golf course, great crowds, a lot of support. I try my best, so we try next year."
Michelle Wie closed with a 71 to finish tied for 12th at 3-under.
While solid, Wie's finish was not good enough to put her high enough on the money list to earn her tour card for next season. She did earn $36,475, but didn't commit to going to Q-School.
"Obviously I did want to, you know, be in the top five," Wie said. "I was playing good off the tee, I just didn't take advantage with my irons. Overall I feel like my game is getting better and better."
