Ko, 15, achieves LPGA glory, but Park gets winner’s check

COQUITLAM, British Columbia - Fifteen-year-old Lydia Ko won the Canadian Women's Open on Sunday to become the youngest winner in LPGA Tour history.

Former Bishop Gorman High School standout Inbee Park got the first-place check because Ko is still an amateur, only the fifth one in LPGA history to win a tournament.

Ko, a South Korean-born New Zealander, closed with a 5-under 67 for a three-stroke victory. She broke the age record of 16 set by Lexi Thompson last September in the Navistar LPGA Classic in Alabama, and is the first amateur winner since JoAnne Carner in the 1969 Burdine's Invitational.

"To break another record, or being in the history (book), it's amazing, and it's always awesome to be able to play with the pros," said Ko, who also won the U.S. Women's Amateur two weeks ago in Cleveland.

Ko finished at 13-under 275 at The Vancouver Golf Club, pulling away with birdies on five of the first six holes on the back nine. She opened with consecutive 68s and shot 72 on Saturday to carry a one-stroke lead into the final round.

Park, in a four-way tie for second entering the final round, shot 69 to finish second at 10-under 278. The former Gael chipped in for birdie on the final hole, and Ko closed with a bogey to make it closer.

"The pressure she was handling is really amazing," Park said. "I'm really happy for her. It's great for her career - and I think I was just lucky to get the winner's check today."

Park earned $300,000 - $160,000 more than if Ko were playing professionally. U.S. Women's Open champion Na Yeon Choi, Chella Choi and Jiyai Shin tied for third at 280.

Park now has eight straight top-10 finishes, including a win this month at the Evian Masters among six top-four efforts.

■ EUROPEAN PGA - At Gleneagles, Scotland, Paul Lawrie marked the official confirmation of his return to the European Ryder Cup team after 13 years, posting a resounding four-shot victory in the Johnnie Walker Championship.

Lawrie, 43, shot 68 to finish at 16-under 272 for his second European PGA victory of the year and eighth of his career. Brett Rumford (68) of Australia was second at 276 for his best finish in two years.

■ CHAMPIONS - At Snoqualmie, Wash., Jay Don Blake won the Boeing Classic for his third Champions Tour title, beating Mark O'Meara with a birdie on the second hole of a playoff. Both players shot 68 to finish tied at 10-under 206.