Shadoff goes wire-to-wire for Mediheal title; Yuka Saso second

Yuka Saso of Japan watches her shot on the fifth tee during the final round of the LPGA MEDIHEAL Championship at The Saticoy Club on October 09, 2022 in Somis, California.

Yuka Saso’s late charge produces a runnerup finish. —AFP.


LOS ANGELES—England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff captured her first career Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) title on Sunday, holding off a host of rivals for a wire-to-wire triumph at the LPGA Mediheal Championship.

Shadoff fired a one-under par 71 to finish 72 holes on 15-under 273 for a one-stroke victory at The Saticoy Club in Somis, west of Los Angeles.

The 34-year-old Briton made her victory breakthrough in her 246th career LPGA start.

“Surreal,” Shadoff said of the feeling. “I’ve waited a long time for this. There have been many times in my career I didn’t think this was ever going to happen so really grateful in this moment.”

Japan’s Yuka Saso, who represented the Philippines previously before switching nationalities, made a late charge to shoot 66 and finish second on 274 with fast-closing Georgia Hall of England, Paula Reto of South Africa and American Danielle Kang sharing third on 275.

World No. 93 Shadoff had not won a title in 12 LPGA seasons but was third at June’s ShopRite Classic, her best result since a runner-up effort at the 2017 British Women’s Open.

After battling injuries and self-doubt, Shadoff can finally say she’s an LPGA champion.

“I’ve been through a lot in the past couple of years, injuries and last year was really tough. I found it a pretty significant mental challenge to get through that,” Shadoff said.

“There were times during last year I didn’t think I would be playing this year so to be stood here today is really awesome. I didn’t give up on myself. I have a lot to be grateful for.” —Reuters

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