The Kraft Nabisco LPGA Championship at Mission Hills Country Club was played on April 7th. Inbee Park won the tournament with a -15 for the win and a 4 stroke lead over the 2nd place winner.Park started the day with a 3 stroke lead and never lost the first place spot. She had one bogey on 10 and wanted to get a couple birdies to make up for it.
She played with the second place winner So Yeon Rye -11 and knew her opponent well as they are good friends. Carolina Hedwell and Suzann Pettersen tied for third place with -9.
The tournament was pretty much decided a couple days ago as Park was playing very well. Not a long hitter but hits a low ball that is good in the wind. Her putting was hard to match as putts fell for her at almost every hole.
Park got to Jump into Poppies Pond which has become a big tradition for the tournament. Her caddy, Trainer, Fiance and friends jumped in with her. She took an empty bottle with her into the pond to fill it with water. She wanted to take it home with her to Korea to pour it on her fathers head. He wanted to come to watch but she asked him not to as it would put a lot more pressure on her to win.
Park took home a check for $300,000 with a score of 273.
She was also given a painting by Graeme Baxter. Other notables were Karrie Webb with a 282, Jennifer Johnson and Paula Creamer-284, Cristie Kerr-285, Natalie Gulbus-287, Stacy Lewis-287, Michelle Wie-288 and Morgan Pressel-292. This is the first LPGA major tournament of the year. Everyone wants to win this one to start out the year on a high note.
Women Golfers from around the world come to play in this tournament. The weather was perfect, The golf course was in pristine condition and the fans are the best. The stands are full on 18 and they loudly cheer each player as they finish the round. When the final group comes in on 18 the gallery crowds around the island green to watch the final putts of the tournament. They get a close up look at the trophy ceremony that is held on the 18th green.
These are a few extra photos of a few players during the tournament.
