Lindblad claims first title in just third LPGA start

Swedish LPGA rookie Ingrid Lindblad kept her cool to hold on to the lead and win the LA Championship at El Caballero Country Club on Sunday for her maiden victory on the tour.

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Lindblad held a share of the lead heading into the final round and fired a four-under par 68 to fend off threats from Germany's Ester Henseleit, who posted a brilliant eight-under par 64 and Japan’s Nasa Hataoka who shot a nine-under 63.

The 25-year-old had shared the lead overnight with Japan’s Akie Iwai and American Lauren Coughlin — who both stayed in contention until the death.

Lindblad made six birdies and a pair of bogeys in the first 11 holes and parred the last seven.

She finished with a 21-under par total of 267 and, in just her third start on the LPGA Tour, was able to avoid a play-off when Iwai bogeyed the final hole.