Minjee Lee fifth on LPGA Tour

Japan's Haru Nomura has won a marathon sudden-death playoff with American Cristie Kerr to win the LPGA Tour's Texas Shootout.

Australia's Minjee Lee finished tied fifth long before Japan's Haru Nomura finally won a marthon sudden-death playoff to clinch victory in the LPGA Tour's Texas Shootout.

Nomura, 24, claimed her third LPGA title with a two-putt birdie at the sixth extra hole to prevail over American Cristie Kerr on Sunday.

The pair had tied a three-under 281 in the wind-hit event at Las Colinas Country Club, then played the 518-yard 18th six more times, making pars the first five times.

Kerr, 39, was trying to win consecutive tournaments, having triumphed in Hawaii two weeks ago to collect her 19th career title nearly five months after knee surgery.

She shot a closing 74 to catch Nomura (76) and finish two shots clear of third-placed Jessica Korda (73).

On a third consecutive days of gusty conditions only two players broke par while eight shot in the 80s.

Confirming her recent good form when third at the year's first major, the ANA Inspiration, Australian Lee carded at 73 and was in a four-way tie for fifth at one over.

Of the other Australians, Katherine Kirk (75) tied 21st and Sarah Jane Smith (78) tied 44th.

Lydia Ko will remain the world's No. 1 player for the 80th consecutive week, and for the 99th week in her career.

She had to withdraw before the third round in Texas because of a swollen eye from an infection likely caused by allergies.

No. 2 So Yeon Ryu could have taken over the top spot in the world by finishing first or second, but had a closing 75 to tie for ninth.

Ariya Jutanugarn, the third-ranked player who could have taken over No. 1 with a win, was a stroke off the 36-hole lead before consecutive weekend rounds of 76.


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Source: AAP



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