South Korean Pair Triumph at Dow Championship, Thwart Thompson’s Bid

Victory in a Nail-Biting Finale

In an electrifying finish, Somi Lee sank an 8-foot birdie on the first playoff hole, leading her South Korean counterpart Jin Hee Im to victory at the Dow Championship held in Midland, Michigan. This win denied Lexi Thompson her long-awaited LPGA title, which she has been striving for over the past six years.

Playoff Drama Unfolds

Thompson’s partner, Megan Khang, had an opportunity to prolong the playoff but unfortunately missed a crucial 5-foot birdie putt that was off-target from the outset. In contrast, Thompson successfully converted an 8-foot birdie on the par-3 18th hole, while Khang faced a challenging 6-foot birdie attempt, helping the American duo to finish with a commendable 10-under 60 in the fourballs format, leading at 20-under 260.

First Title in America

As the playoff transitioned to foursomes, Thompson’s tee shot landed just 5 feet from the hole. Im’s shot was closer to the pin, but 8 feet long, placing Lee in a position to seal the victory. “It’s disappointing to miss that final putt in the playoff, but I’m thrilled with our performance,” Khang expressed. Thompson, who hasn’t claimed victory since the ShopRite LPGA Classic in 2019 and opted for a lighter schedule last summer, participated in her eighth tournament of the year. For Im and Lee, this marks their first title on American soil in their second year on the LPGA Tour, after successful stints in the Korea LPGA, where Im has six titles and Lee five.

“I can’t believe we did it,” Lee exclaimed, celebrating her winning putt.

Lindy Duncan and Miranda Wang scored a remarkable 59 in the better-ball format, tying for third place, just two shots shy of the playoff. They were joined by Manon De Roey and Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, who recorded a 64. Meanwhile, Albane Valenzuela and Sarah Schmelzel, who held the 54-hole lead, finished fifth with a 66, unable to secure a birdie in their last seven holes, finishing three shots behind.

Thompson, however, has not revealed her next tournament plans. The upcoming event on the LPGA schedule is the Evian Championship in France, which she has missed every year since 2019. Notably, the Dow Championship stands as the only official team event within the LPGA calendar.