Sweden’s Pernilla Lindberg claimed the first title of her career by defeating Olympic champion Inbee Park to win an epic ANA Inspiration title in California.
Lindberg holed from 25 feet for birdie on the eighth extra hole at Mission Hills Country Club and Park was unable to follow suit from 15 feet.
The play-off for the first women’s major of the year had been halted after four holes due to darkness on Sunday evening, with Jennifer Song eliminated with a par on the third visit to the par-five 18th.
Park and Lindberg resumed play at 0800 local time on Monday and Lindberg agonisingly left a long birdie attempt inches short on the par-four 10th, with both players then scrambling for par on the 17th to keep things going.
Lindberg had the upper hand when she reached the green in two on the par-five 18th, but could only three-putt for par after Park had left her own birdie attempt short from close range.
“I just know I’m a grinder and towards the end yesterday I just felt, ‘This is mine’,” Lindberg said. “I just kept fighting away and could not believe that putt went in.
“I knew Inbee was going to hole her putt and I was already thinking about the 17th hole again, but she didn’t and it was mine!
“I remember writing some goals in high school about the dream scenario to win a major and leave a mark in history. It felt like it was too big a dream to come true but it has.
“I’m so happy my parents are here. I’ve probably given my dad so many heart attacks over the last few days.”
Park, who has won seven major titles during a glittering career, was philosophical in defeat and said: “Even in the play-off I didn’t make many mistakes, but I just couldn’t make any putts.
“The greens were a little slower this morning and I let a few short. I’m a little disappointed but happy with the way I played all week.”
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