Jutanugarn wins final Manulife LPGA Classic in playoff

The Manulife LPGA Classic ended the way it started in 2012, with a playoff on Sunday.

Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn sunk her 25-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to pick up her sixth win on the LPGA.

Florida’s Lexi Thompson, the leader after Round 3, had a one shot lead heading up the 18th, but bogied, forcing a playoff with Jutanugarn and Korea’s In Gee Chun. All three got it to 17-under in regulation.

The 21-year-old Jutanugarn also takes home a cheque for $255,000.

She says the winning putt played right to left by a foot. “On my 18 hole I leave it short and I got so pissed off (laughter in media centre) because I leave it short…If I’m going to miss it, make sure it’s past the hole.”

“I just can’t believe I win the tournament. I didn’t expect anything at all, because like when I got here I didn’t feel comfortable with my swing. I didn’t feel like — my tee shots (were) not that good,” she said. “It’s like surprise for me. I never think I can win here.”

Brooke Henderson finished as the low Canadian at 11-under, Alena Sharp ended up 10-under and Brittany Marchand had a rough outing Sunday, firing an 81 and falling to 3-under.

Meantime, the search continues for a new title sponsor. This was Manulife’s final year.

The Vice President of Business Development with Sports Properties International says they had “good visits” this week, with both local and multi-national organizations.

Corey Morrow, who’s also the Assistant Tournament Director, tells 570 NEWS the preference would be to keep it in the region.

The tournament would likely need a new sponsor before November, that is when the LPGA releases its schedule.

Almost 58,000 people attended the 2017 event.