June 14, 2009

PING pro Anna Nordqvist grew up in Sweden idolizing Annika Sorenstam. She now joins her in earning the distinction of making her first LPGA win a major championship. Playing in only her fifth LPGA event as a professional, Nordqvist won the LPGA Championship the same week she turned 22. Her best finish had been a 17th place tie at the Corona Championship in April.

After an opening round 66, the former Arizona State University standout carded a second round 70 on the Bulle Rock Golf Course in Havre De Grace, Maryland to assume the half way lead. A weather-delayed third round meant she had to return Sunday morning to finish three holes, one of which she birdied to enter the final round with a two-shot lead.

In the final round, Nordqvist's lead shrunk to one on the 13th hole before birdies on 14 and 15 stretched her lead to three. A birdie from three feet on the final hole gave her a four-shot win and the $300,000 first-place check.

A two-time First Team All-American and Academic All-American in college, Nordqvist played a G10 driver, i10 irons (4-9, PW), G10 21° hybrid, Tour-W 54° and an iWi Anser putter. Her win was the sixth by a PING pro on the LPGA Tour this season. She joins Lorena Ochoa (2), Angela Stanford, Pat Hurst and I.K. Kim.