Suzann Pettersen romps to victory in South Korea
Norwegian Suzann Pettersen has finally put an end to her victory drought, as she won the LPGA Hana Bank Championship 2012 by outplaying Scottish Catriona Matthew in playoff.
Pettersen kept the pressure high on rivals right from the start of the three-day LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) tournament.
The event was played at Ocean Course, Incheon, South Korea. She played perfect strokes in the favourable weather conditions.
Matthew, who got into contention in the third round after she posted a superb 67, did not have to make an all-out effort before the match stretched into playoff because she had managed to find a comfortable position on the leaderboard.
Both Pettersen and Matthew shot an overall 205 each. However, when the playoff began, excitement rippled through the crowd, with the South Korean spectators appreciating both the contenders.
Pettersen subdued Matthew on the third extra par-5 hole, by draining a birdie.
Commentators said that this victory was very crucial for the LPGA giant. She was being expected to put an end to her lacklustre stint that had seen her winless since her Safeway Classic triumph in August 2011.
The final round, before playoff, did not go as solid as the spectators expected, because Pettersen dented her position by carding an unimpressive 74.
However, a rock-solid 63 in the opening round and a 68 in the second round did the trick, helping her move into playoff.
Sharing her thoughts at the end of the tournament, Pettersen said that she convinced herself that the match was within her control because a flawless start had already put her in a strong position on the leaderboard.
“I just felt like I was actually glad I had a chance to go out there in the playoff. Again, I just felt great,” said the 31-year-old who has now racked up nine LPGA titles in her pro career.
“I just felt great. I had a great warm‑up this morning and didn't really get off to a great start and didn't really play the par‑3s good at all. I felt like I had it all in my hand both the first time around, second time around, and the third around. It's getting closer. I'm getting closer to the hole”.
Matthew, who has also been trying to snap out of a winning drought since her last victory at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in November 2011, displayed an eye-catching performance in the three rounds.
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