THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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Ariya becomes LPGA Tour’s first Thai winner

Ariya becomes LPGA Tour’s first Thai winner

An emotional win for Thailand native Ariya Jutanugarn on this 2016 Mother’s Day as her mom looked on as she got up and down on the 18th for the win.

Ariya shot a 1-under 71 to beat Stacy Lewis, Amy Yang and Morgan Pressel by a stroke after losing two shots off her third round lead. Her mom Narumon and sister Moriya, a tour player who tied for 63rd in the event, were on hand to celebrate the Mother’s Day.

"Thank you for my mom for being with me all the time to support me and happy Mother's Day," said Ariya.

Ariya held a three-stroke lead entering the final round of the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic and had to fight off nerves to become a Rolex First-Time Winner.  She had an up and down day carding four bogeys and four birdies to finish the day even par and one stroke ahead of fellow competitors Morgan Pressel, Stacy Lewis and Amy Yang,  become the first player from Thailand to win on the LPGA Tour.

She has had three top-10’s this season before stepping into the winner’s circle.

“So tough, I feel the three holes I can’t control anything," said Jutangarn. "My legs were shaking, my hands were shaking.”

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