Ko Jin-young Wins 1st LPGA Major of Season

Ko Jin-young proved she is indeed a rising force to be reckoned with in world women's golf when she won the ANA Inspiration in California on Sunday, the first LPGA major of the season.

Ko put on a clinical and effortless performance to win the event by three strokes over compatriot Lee Mi-hyang with a 10-under 278. She made two bogeys toward the end of the final round, leaving her just one stroke ahead of Lee, but bounced back with a birdie to widen the gap.

She earned prize money of US$450,000.

In accordance with a tournament tradition, Ko celebrated by jumping into Poppie's Pond at the 18th hole, joined by her caddie and agent. She became the fifth Korean player to do so, after Grace Park in 2004, Yoo Sun-young in 2012, Park In-bee in 2013 and Ryu So-yeon in 2017.

Ko, who is the reigning Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year, has made a splendid start to the season, which opened on Jan. 17.

In six competitions she has so far taken part in, she claimed two titles, two runner-up finishes and one third-place finish. She is currently at the top of the season’s money list and in the running for the Rolex Player of the Year.