‘Women’s Discus Thrower’ Tawattananakit "First Win Is a Major"..."Did You See the 348-Yard Long Drive?"

Lydia Ko Finishes 2nd as 14th All-Time 'Rookie Major Champ' at ANA Inspiration; Kim Sei-young Ties 3rd, Park In-bi and Ko Jin-young Tie 7th

Patty Tavatanakit is smiling brightly while holding the trophy right after winning the final day of the ANA Inspiration. Rancho Mirage, California, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "The birth of the female DeChambeau."

Patty Tavatanakit (Thailand) has risen to become the 'Major Queen.' On the 5th (Korean time), at the Mission Hills Golf Club in Rancho Mirage, California, USA (par 72, 6,763 yards), the final day of the first major of the 2021 LPGA Tour season, the ANA Inspiration (total prize money $3.1 million), she shot 4-under par to secure a 2-stroke victory (18-under par 270). This marks the 14th time a rookie has won a major.

At the ANA Inspiration, it is the first time in 37 years since Juli Inkster (USA) in 1984. It is also the first time in 21 years since 2000 when Karrie Webb (Australia) won, and she became the fourth player in history to win the ANA Inspiration 'wire-to-wire.' Following Ariya Jutanugarn, who won the 2016 Women's British Open and the 2018 U.S. Women's Open, Tavatanakit is the second Thai major champion in history. The winner's prize money is $465,000 (approximately 525 million KRW).

Tavatanakit started with a 5-stroke lead and made one eagle and two birdies. She successfully made an eagle chip shot outside the green on the 2nd hole (par 5), added birdies on the 8th hole (par 3) and 12th hole (par 4), and made par on the remaining six holes. She won three times on the 2019 LPGA Symetra (second-tier) Tour. Although she debuted on the regular tour last year, the season was disrupted due to COVID-19, so she maintained rookie status this season.

She is ranked 103rd in the world. She is sponsored by the Korean company Hana Financial Group. In this tournament, she showcased incredible power with an average drive of 323 yards, posting scores in the 60s in every round. Her previous best finishes were tied 5th at the 2018 U.S. Women's Open and this year's Gainbridge. "I was very nervous at first," said Tavatanakit, "but I focused only on my play without looking at the leaderboard," and she cheered, "Something unbelievable happened."

Lydia Ko (New Zealand) surged to 2nd place (16-under par 272) by tying the course record with 10-under par. She displayed flawless play with one eagle and eight birdies. 'Gainbridge Champion' Nelly Korda (USA), Feng Shanshan (China), and Nanna Koerstz Madsen (Denmark) tied for 3rd place (11-under par 277). Korea's 'Number 3' Kim Sei-young (28, Mediheal) also tied for 3rd with seven birdies and one bogey.

Park In-bee raises her hand after making a birdie on the 2nd hole of the final day at the ANA Inspiration. Rancho Mirage, California, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

'Kia Classic Champion' Park In-bee (33, KB Financial Group) lowered her score by three strokes but finished with a bitter taste in a tie for 7th place (10-under par 278). World No. 1 Ko Jin-young (26) shot 4-under par to finish tied for 7th. Defending champion Im Ji-yeon (31, NH Investment & Securities) exchanged two birdies for two bogeys and finished even par, tied for 10th place (9-under 279). Lee Mi-hyang (28, Volvik) tied for 15th (7-under par 281), and Kim Hyo-joo (26, Lotte) tied for 28th (4-under par 284).

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