King wins again after 3 years

Betsy King won for the first time since 1997, getting off to a fast start today and earning a two-shot victory in the Hawaiian Ladies Open.

It was the 32nd career win for the 44-year-old LPGA Hall of Famer, whose last victory came in the Dinah Shore three years ago.

King, who began the final round tied for the lead with Sally Dee, finished at 12-under 204. Brandie Burton was second and Joanne Morley was three shots behinnine. The victory was worth $97,500 and boosted her career tour earnings to more than $6.4 million.

She made an 8-foot birdie putt on No. 1, and fell 2 feet short of an eagle on No. 3, settling for birdie.

King moved to 14-under with a short birdie putt on the fourth hole and played par for the rest of the front nine. Dee dropped six shots back with a double bogey on No. 6, and Sophie Gustafson bogeyed Nos. 2, 9, 11 and 12 to fall out of contention.

King bogeyed No. 11 to drop to 13-under while Morley, who started the round at 6-under, moved to 12-under through 14 holes on the strength of six birdies.

But Morley fell apart after that, making bogey on 15 and double-bogey on the par-3 16th.

Burton started the day 6-under, and finished with birdies on the final four holes, but fell short in her attempt to get even with King.

Dee shot 76 and Gustafson 75, both finishing at 6-under 210.

Diana D'Alessio, playing in her second LPGA event, finished at 8-under 208 along with Becky Iverson. Defending champ Alison Nicholas ended at 5-under 211.

Email this page to a friend | Return to top of page