156 Starts Later, Moriya Jutanagarn Joins Sister As An LPGA Winner
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Moriya Jutanagarn
If you pitched the Hugel-JTBC L.A. Open inaugural story to an executive from one of the studios up the street from Wilshire Country Club, the verdict would have been something like: "na, too good to be true."
You had the big sister of a top player always playing second fiddle and in her 156th start, holding off a legend of the sport and a sweet-swinging star-in-the-making in Jin Young Ko (with both nearly acing a final hole that created the hoped-for theater.) Just off the green was the year-younger little sis, bawling like a baby at the sight of big sister finally winning on the LPGA Tour.
Throw in some beautiful late light, huge crowds, a fantastic setting dotted by the Hollywood sign and a tournament that wasn't even on a schedule a few months ago, and you have a special week for LA's return to the LPGA schedule.
As Beth Ann Baldry writes, Moriya Jutanagarn's win was one for the family, who were all on hand to enjoy a special day at a special course.
Ron Sirak notes for LPGA.com that Moriya's win makes the Jutanagarn's the second sibling set to win on the LPGA Tour, joining the Sorenstam's.
Inbee Park made a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes as Jutanagarn played nearly flawless golf, but as I wrote for Golfweek, Park regains the world No. 1 ranking for the third time despite multiple layoffs from the sport.
Many players expressed their delight for Moriya winning on such a big stage against such a strong field (21 of the world top 25), who has long played second fiddle to a more famous sister. But the media outpouring of pleasure tells you just how long overdue the win is, and how admired Moriya is for her dedication to craft.
Golf Channel, which did a beautiful job delivering great sound and pictures of Wilshire CC, offers this final round highlights package helmed by Terry Gannon and Karen Stupples:
