Henderson wins LPGA Classic

NEW YORK: Brooke Henderson eagled the first playoff hole to win the ShopRite LPGA Classic on Sunday as Lindsey Weaver-Wright remained in search of a first career title.

Canada’s Henderson, who captured her 11th LPGA title, charged to the top of the leaderboard with a seven-under-par 64 at Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway, New Jersey. She got off to a quick start with three birdies in the first six holes before an eagle at the par-five ninth. Henderson added birdies at 12 and 18 to grab the clubhouse lead.

She was quickly joined by Weaver-Wright, whose six birdies included three in the last four holes. The American who joined the LPGA tour in 2018 poured in a long birdie putt at the 17th then after coming up short of the green at 18 she drained a testing birdie attempt to force the playoff.

When they returned to 18 for the playoff, Henderson was dialed in. She stuck her approach six feet from the cup as Weaver again came up short of the green. After Weaver needed two putts, Henderson had the luxury of knowing she could take two for the victory.

The Canadian didn’t need them, rapping in the eagle effort. “With playoffs you only really have one opportunity, so I just tried to hit really solid shots,” Henderson, ranked 11th in the world, said.

“To walk up that fairway and see that I only had a pretty short (putt) was a big relief. “And just needing two putts to win was also really clutch.” Henderson, who changed her putting grip before last week’s US Women’s Open, said she was “more comfortable” with the new style.