Jeongeun Lee6 secured her first major title with a two-stroke victory at the U.S. Women's Open on Sunday.
The South Korean professional completed a consistent showing at the Country Club of Charleston, firing a 1-under 70 in the final round in South Carolina. Lee6 entered the week ranked 17th in the world and has won six times on the KLPGA Tour.
Lee6 finished at 6 under for the tournament, two shots clear of Ryu So-yeon, Angel Yin and Lexi Thompson — who all finished in a tie for second place (4 under) — to claim her first major win. She tied for fifth place in her 2017 debut and has gone on to have three top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour this season.
''So looking at her as a rookie to play this tournament so well, I'm really proud of her as a fellow competitor and same country girl as well,'' Ryu said, via Golf Channel.
She was the only player to shoot four under-par rounds, although she bogeyed two of her final three holes.
Champion.#USWomensOpen pic.twitter.com/zizMNAXuiz
— USGA (@USGA) June 2, 2019
Lee6 was even par through 10 holes in her final round before birdies at the 11th, 12th and 15th holes set up her victory despite the late hiccups.
Overnight leaders Yu Liu and Celine Boutier struggled and carded 4-over 75 to end up tied for fifth (3 under) alongside Gerina Piller, Mamiko Higa and Jaye Marie Green.