HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. — Anna Nordqvist completed a long day and a memorable week in splendid fashion, shooting a 4-under par 68 Sunday to become the second straight rookie to win the LPGA Championship.
Nordqvist finished at 15-under 273, four shots ahead of Lindsey Wright, in the tournament's final stand at Bulle Rock Golf Course. The LPGA Championship will get a new sponsor and a new home in 2010.
After letting a five-shot lead dwindle to one, Nordqvist sank a 12-foot birdie putt on No. 14 and essentially clinched her first career victory with a 35-foot putt for a birdie on No. 15. When the shot dropped into the cup, the 22-year-old Swede pumped her fist with delight.
Nordqvist completed the final four holes of the suspended third round at 7:30 in the morning, then teed off as part of the final twosome shortly after 2:30 p.m. She took a two-shot lead into the fourth round, quickly increased the margin and held on to earn the $300,000 top prize.
Nordqvist's victory follows that of Yani Tseng, who won as a rookie in 2008 at Bulle Rock. Tseng tied for 23rd in this tournament.
Jiya Shin (68) took third at 10 under; Kyeong Bae (68) was 9 under; and Angela Stanford (69), Nicole Castrale (69) and Kristy McPherson (70) tied at 8 under.