May 22, 2017: Lexi Thompson sets tournament scoring record and gets number eight in Williamsburg.
Thompson calmly tapped in a three-foot par putt on 18 to capture her eighth career win on the LPGA Tour on Sunday at the Kingsmill Championship Presented by JTBC.
The 22-year old took command early in the week with an opening round 6-under par, 65 to take the outright lead in round one. Thompson posted another 6-under on day two and cruised on the weekend, posting 69 on Saturday to take a three-stroke lead entering the final round and closing with a 6-under par, 65 to win by five-strokes ahead of In Gee Chun.
Thompson said her goal was to finish the tournament at 20-under par so she could try and focus on her game; her four rounds, 65, 65, 69, 65 did just that and set new tournament record, breaking the previous record held by Annika Sorenstam.
“Oh, it means the world to me. Annika has been a player I’ve always looked up to not only how she played on the course, but how she is off and how she gave back to the game,” Thompson said on breaking Sorenstam’s tournament record. “This is a huge honor. I wasn’t focusing on that and I didn’t actually know that until maybe last night.”
In Gee Chun was best positioned to chase down Thompson on Sunday, three-strokes back in solo second to start the day. She mounted an early charge on Sunday, making three birdies in her first seven holes to pull within two of Thompson. But three birdies by Thompson on the front nine, moved Thompson back to a three-stroke lead making the turn.
Chun finished with a par at the last to card a final round 4-under par, 67 to finish solo second at 15-under par.
“I had great round today. I made bogey-free round, but her play was so good,” said Chun. “Really enjoyed playing with her. I learn a lot from her today. I want to say congratulations to Lexi and thank you to all the spectators. I really enjoy them.”
Defending champion Ariya Jutanugarn finished T-18 with four others at 4-under par for the championship.
LPGA Tour Release
