PHOENIX — Karrie Webb has been one of the most prolific winners in LPGA Tour history. Yet she was wondering whether she would ever win again.
Her two-year drought ended Sunday, when she shot a 5-under 67 on Sunday for a two-stroke victory in the J Golf LPGA International.
The 34-year-old Australian earned her 36th career LPGA Tour title, finishing at 14-under 274. Third-round leader Jiyai Shin of South Korea shot a 70 to finish second.
“You know you still have the ability to do it, but you’re just not putting the scores on the board that indicate you can still do it,” Webb said.
“Even less than a month ago I was still questioning that.”
Another South Korean, In-Kyung Kim — the leader after the first and second rounds — finished three strokes back. She had a 70.
Webb had an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys in breezy conditions on the 6,711-yard Papago Golf Course. She started the day one shot behind Shin, but took the lead just after the turn, then capped her day with a near-eagle on No. 18.
The US$225,000 first prize raised Webb’s career earnings to just over $14.5 million, second only to Annika Sorenstam.
Webb ended any doubt by knocking her second shot about 10 feet short of the cup on the par-5, 475-yard 18th. She missed the putt, but tapped in for birdie, then threw her fist in the air in celebration.
“I’ve won in Australia in the last two years, but winning on the LPGA against the best players in the world is obviously very important to me,” Webb said. “You know you still have the ability to do it, but you’re putting the scores on the board that indicate you can’t still do it.”
She had not won since her five victories in 2006.