Henderson won her first major title, beating top-ranked Lydia Ko with a birdie on the first hole of a playoff to win the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Sammamish, Washington, after overcoming a three-shot deficit on the back nine.
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At 18 years and nine months, world No.4 Henderson became the second-youngest woman to win a major – bettered only by Ko who was five months younger when she triumphed at last year’s Evian Championship.
Having also won the ANA Inspiration in April, Ko was seeking to win her third consecutive major championship.
New Zealand’s Ko, who was seeking to win her third consecutive major championship, fired a four-under 67 on Sunday.
The Canadian wasn’t flustered at all; she wedged her ball to 12 feet and then dropped the par putt that went in centre cup.
On being the youngest player ever to win this championship, Henderson took it all in stride.
Ko missed, and Henderson calmly sank her winning putt. “And in the playoff hole, for her to take the “Tiger line” just right of the left trees, and then going right for the pin from the ideal yardage, she just played great”.
In pursuit of a maiden PGA Tour victory in his 50th career start, Berger posted a 10-under total of 200 with fellow Americans Mickelson (68), Steve Stricker (66) and D.A. Points (64) tied for second. Ko had a much easier attempt – and a chance to give herself a touch of breathing room – after hitting her tee shot to five feet at the water-guarded par 3 but couldn’t capitalize.
“I really want to win a major, one time in my life”, Jutanugarn said.
The momentum changer was her eagle putt.
Ko had surged into the lead at the end of day three, adding back-to-back 70s to her even par opening round, one of only three players to go into the final round under par.
“It was a pretty good day for me”, Henderson said after lifting the trophy.
Two of the best moments: as they prepared for the playoff, which would start on the 18th hole and continue on the 14th, 17th and 18th holes if necessary, there were two carts parked on the fairway side of the 18th green.
Henderson is now the youngest champion in the 62-year history of the PGA Championship, eclipsing Yani Tseng who won at the age of 19 years, four months and 16 days.
There was a key par save from eight feet on 14 and then a stunning and unexpected 45-footer for birdie on the 17th that tied the two players at six under. But last time they were just yelling Go Canada.
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“Not really”, she said. “There are still three major championships left and I’d like to get my name on all three of those, but I might be getting ahead of myself”. “I’m just trying to play my best and trying to hit that shot in front of me”.
