Tag: lydia ko

3 Jack Recap: Ko Back to #1, Smylie’s Final Round 61

Chris Racic

The 3 Jack Recap is a review of the week that was in the world of golf.

Lydia Ko goes double digits for her career, another rookie wins on Tour, Justin Rose extends a streak, and more in this week’s 3 Jack Recap.

Smylie Kaufman Wins Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

For the second week in a row a rookie beats Kevin Na to win on the PGA Tour.

Smylie Kaufman sat tied for 28th place after his third round, seven shots off the lead.  He was (-1) on his round through seven holes on Sunday’s final round when he found another gear.  He would play the last 11 holes of TPC Summerlin at (-9) to finish with 61 and the clubhouse lead.

Kaufman would sit for over two hours watching the rest of the field try to match his (-16).  Five players would approach the 18th hole needing birdie to force a playoff, including Jason Bohn, Patton Kizzire, Kevin Na, Cameron Tringale, and 54-hole leader Brett Stegmaier.

Stegmaier’s birdie putt from the fringe came up short to seal the victory for Kaufman.  It was the biggest come-from-behind victory since Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey shot a Sunday 60 to win the McGladrey Classic from 29th place in 2012.

Lydia Ko Remains Really Good at Golf.

Ko won the Fubon LPGA Taiwan Championship by nine shots after a final round 65.  She had the best Sunday round by 2 strokes in a dominant victory.

The significance of her win:

  • She now has 5 wins this season and leads the season-long Race to the CME Globe.
  • Ko moves back to #1 in the Rolex Rankings World Women’s Golf Rankings in front of Inbee Park.
  • It’s her 10th career victory.  She becomes the youngest player on any tour to reach the milestone.  Nancy Lopez previously held the mark when she reached 10 career wins at age 22.

Important reminder: Lydia Ko is only 18 years old!  There’s a lot of excitement going on over on the LPGA Tour that not enough people are watching.

Justin Rose Takes the Hong Kong Open.

Rose fended off Lucas Bjerregaard to win in Hong Kong.  The two were tied for the lead going into the final round with a four shot cushion on the rest of the field.

It is Rose’s 8th European Tour victory for his career.  He’s won on the European Tour in four consecutive seasons now despite splitting his memberships between Europe and the PGA Tour.

For all the last-minute juggling Ian Poulter had to do just to play the event, he finished 29th.

Also, There Was This From The Sunshine Tour.

In need of some recovery after this recovery shot:

Next up: Ryan Moore defends his title at the CIMB Classic.  The LPGA finishes its Asian swing with the Blue Bay LPGA.  The Turkish Airlines Open is on the European Tour slate.  The Champions Tour plays the Toshiba Classic.

Have a good week.

(photos: Getty Images)