Pro golfer Juli Inkster led through most of the Kathy Ireland Greens.com LPGA Classic, but faltered at the end to finish second last Sunday in Murrells Inlet, S.C.
Inkster, a Los Altos resident, bogeyed the 17th and 18th holes, which allowed LPGA rookie Grace Park to pull out a one-stroke victory. Park shot a 14-under-par 274 over the four-day tournament to collect $115,000.
Inkster and Pat Hurst tied for second, each finishing with a 13-under 275 to earn $60,384 apiece.
At one point on Sunday, Inkster was able to get to 15-under-par and three shots ahead of both Park and Hurst.
“I had chances, but I missed some putts that I should have made,” Inkster said in a post-match press conference. “I am disappointed that number 17 got away from me and then on number 18 I was again just between clubs. I just had two bad bogeys.”
Inkster shot 70 on Sunday, her worst score of the tourney. She shot 69 Thursday and 68 on both Friday and Saturday.
Inkster said she was “disappointed” with her score in the final round, which was interrupted by an hour rain delay. However, Inkster said the delay gave her a chance to relax.
“I came out after that and I was ready to play,” she said, “but I was not able to capitalize on those last couple holes.”
Park only shared the lead once during the first round with with Michelle McGann after both posted scores of 66. For the 21-year-old Park, this marks her first win on the LPGA Tour and the beginning of her professional career.
