VERY HAPPY YOKOMINE HITTING CAREER BEST
Sakura Yokomine, a star on the LPGA Japan Tour, tied the tournament course record with a 10-under par 61 during the final around of her third LPGA event of the 2018 season. Yokomine has also made eight starts this year in Japan with four top-20 finishes on her resume this year.
At the ShopRite LPGA Classic, the 32-year-old finished second, one stroke behind the lead, with a 15-under par finish, marking her best career finish on the LPGA Tour.
“Today [I shot] my best score so, yeah. So very happy!” exclaimed the 23-time LPGA Japan winner.
Yokomine and her husband, who is her caddie and mental coach, worked together to overcome her confidence struggles and swing performance.
“Yes, I have now confidence, but last year I didn’t. So hitting shot right, left, so I don’t know my swing. But this year I know the swing, so my feeling has more control. Now I’m confident,” said Yokomine assuredly.
Japan has already locked in their spot at the 2018 UL International Crown and currently sits as the third ranked team in the competition behind the Republic of Korea and the United States. At No. 219 in the Rolex Rankings, Yokomine still has some work to do to make the Team Japan roster - she has until July 2 when the participants are solidified to make moves in the standings.
NOTABLE QUOTES
Annie Park, (-16, 69-65-63, 197), on her nerves throughout the final round:
“I mean, I was definitely nervous. I mean, if I wasn’t, that’s a lie. But I kind of got comfortable out there after nine. Just focusing on each shot was the key; staying calm out there.”
Sandra Gal, (-12, 67-69-65, 201), on what it takes to get back into contention:
“Obviously a lot of things come together and I have a great team, but there is a lot that you don’t see behind the scenes. Of course you got to put the hours in, but then you got to play like a kid again on the golf course.”
Sakura Yokomine, (-15, 70-67-61, 198), on her husband’s advice as her caddie:
“Through the whole round my husband advised me to be strong. He’s always talking to me.”
Marina Alex, (-14, 67-68-64, 199), on the pressure in front of her home crowd:
“Totally. This tournament has been stressful for me for whatever reason, so to have a great finish is really exciting. I just feel relieved, to be honest.”
OF NOTE
With the win, Annie Park becomes a Rolex First-Time Winner, the first win of her career
Park is the fourth Rolex First-Time Winner of the 2018 season in her 47th career LPGA start
Prior to her win, Park’s best career finish was T6 at the 2016 ShopRite LPGA Classic
At No. 236 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, Park is the first player outside the top 100 to win in 2018.
Park is the fourth player from the United States to win on the LPGA in 2018
Park (USC, 2013) is the first former NCAA Division I Individual Champion to win on the LPGA since Stacy Lewis (Arkansas, 2007) at the 2017 Cambia Portland Classic
Park started the year at No. 366 in Category 20 (Nos. 126-150 Previous Year Money List) on the LPGA Priority List. After the Volunteers of America LPGA Texas Classic, she was reshuffled to No. 146 in Category 15 (Current-Year Reshuffle) based on money earned in 2018. After her win, she will be placed in Category 4 (Winners)
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