The shortest player on the LPGA Tour made a big impact at the biggest moment of her career.
Ayaka Furue of Japan was tied for the lead at 17 under when she tee’d off the par-5 18th hole. Her partner, Stephanie Kiriakou of Australia, was also at 17 under, while Patty Tabatatanakis, who had earlier finished with an 8-under 63, was waiting to see how the match would play out in the clubhouse.
After hitting his tee shot into the first cut of the rough, Furue hit his second shot onto the green and it landed about 12 feet away before sinking the eagle putt for the win. Amundi Evian Championship Kiriakou made a birdie on the 18th hole but fell just short to win by one stroke.
“It’s breathtaking, unbelievable, I’m speechless,” Furue said after finishing with an impressive 6-under 65.
Amazingly, Furue played the final five holes in five under par, birdieing the 14th, 15th and 16th holes and making an eagle on the 18th. He also nearly made a birdie on the 17th hole, but his ball was just high and went just past the hole.
“It wasn’t that good until the 14th hole, but I just believed in myself and kept going,” Furue said.
Furue fell to 14 under after a bogey on the par-four 12th hole, but stepped on the gas in the closing stages and made a crucial run for a medal to clinch her first major victory and second LPGA Tour win overall. Her last win was at the 2022 Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation Playing Through. Follow For more golf articles, follow us on Twitter Jack Mirko In the same way.
