It took eight playoff holes, but Sweden’s Pernilla Lindberg recorded her first LPGA win on Monday during the ANA Inspiration, the LPGA Tour’s first major of the season.
The three-woman playoff, which included Inbee Park and Jennifer Song, lasted into Monday morning after being halted by darkness on Sunday. Jessica Song was eliminated after the third playoff hole Sunday. Lindberg eventually beat Inbee Park, who has 19 LPGA victories – including the 2013 ANA Inspiration, on the fourth hole Monday—and eighth overall—with a 30-foot birdie.
Worth another look! @pernillagolf drains this birdie putt to win @ANAinspiration.
There's nothing left but that famous splash – coming up @GolfChannel pic.twitter.com/Itie6AZvHM
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 2, 2018
“I just looked at every day as the same thing again,” said Lindberg, who needed 193 starts on the LPGA to record her first win. “And today, even though it was playoff whatever, I just felt like I went out, did my same routine, and every night I’ve just been doing my routine. I just felt so calm. I’m a grinder and I just felt this was mine and I’m going to do this. I couldn’t believe that last one went in and Inbee didn’t hole hers and it is mine.”
Alena Sharp was the top Canadian in the field, finishing in a tie for 37th, while Brooke Henderson finished in a tie for 48th.
Before the tournament, Brooke talked about her season, recognizing that every year on the LPGA Tour has its share up highs and lows.
“Even in the beginning of this year, you know missing a couple cuts and not playing my best at times, you’ve really got to stay within yourself, stay patient, and kind of trust that you know what to do,” she said. “You’ve just got to kind of overcome the evil or maybe the devil inside of you and kind of trust that you know you’re capable of it and just try to find that inner strength.”
Pernilla Lindberg’s Bag
PING G Le Driver
G400 Fairway 3-wood
G Hybrid 3H
PING i200 Irons – 4-PW
PING Glide 2.0 Wedges (50, 54, 58)
PING Cadence TR Putter