Creamer takes title in Alabama
Paula Creamer captured her fourth career title on Sunday by rolling to an eight-shot triumph at the LPGA Tournament of Champions.
Thanks to her efforts over the first three days, Creamer took the course in the final round with her second title of the year a virtual lock.
The California starlet held a commanding six-shot lead entering the final round.
Creamer had no pressure en route to carding four-under-par 68 to finish at 20-under 268 overall, well clear of Birdie Kim (68) at 12-under.
After a pair of bogeys on the front nine Thursday, she played her next 62 holes without one until the par-four 18th Sunday.
“I won a U.S. junior tournament over this course, so it’s special to come back and win as a professional,” Creamer said.
“I was in control, but still had to stay focused. I was hoping to equal or beat the tournament record of 21-under, but the bogey at the last cost me.
“But it feels really good to win for a second time this year and this has been a really exciting week.”
Creamer sent an early statement to the rest of the field that there would be no collapse as she opened with a birdie on the par-four first hole.
The 21-year-old added one more on the front nine in what turned into another consistent round.
The win was worth 150,00 for Creamer, who dominated the tournament that included winners from 2004-07 and active Hall of Famers.
The 2005 LPGA Rookie of the Year, Creamer’s other win this season that came at the season-opening SBS Open at Turtle Bay.
Natalie Gulbis (68), Annika Sorenstam (70) and Pat Hurst all tied for third at 10-under 278.
Lorena Ochoa, who already has clinched the world’s number one ranking, finished ninth at seven-under 281.
The Mexican carded a 70 on Sunday.
