ADELAIDE, Australia – Ha Na Jang had an eagle and three birdies over her last six holes in a superb finish Sunday that set up a three-shot victory in the Women's Australian Open.
"It's a really good, strong finish. That is why it's good sport today," the South Korean said after closing with a 4-under 69 to finish at 10 under at Royal Adelaide.
No. 6-ranked Jang finished three shots ahead of Nanna Madsen of Denmark.
Haru Nomura, the 2016 champion, finished in a four-way tie for third place at 6 under with No. 2-ranked Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand and Australians Minjee Lee and Sarah Jane Smith.
Overnight leader Lizette Salas struggled in the last round and closed with a 5-over 78 to fade into a share of seventh place at 5 under with six others, including fellow Americans Beth Allen, Marina Alex and Canadian Maude-Aimee Leblanc in the LPGA event.
Top-ranked Lydia Ko, with a new coach and new clubs, finished well off the pace at 2 over with rounds of 71, 75, 73 and 75.
"It was my first tournament back," Ko said. "I think there are a lot of positive things to look at rather than thinking 'hey, I shot over par.'"
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