Noh gets maiden LPGA win, Green ties for fourth – Golf Australia Magazine – The Women’s Game

American Noh triumped in her 111th tour start as she shot a bogey-free three under 68 to get to 21-under 263 and win by four shots from former world No.1 Jin Young Ko (71).

The 23-year-old turned a one-shot deficit into a three-shot lead over Ko in the span of two holes on the back nine at Bradenton Country Club in Florida on Sunday.

American Megan Khang (68) was third, a shot behind Ko.

Green tied for fourth, three strokes further back following a 70, as she aims to back up her three-victory season last year. 

Noh’s last bogey came way back in Friday’s second round.

“I always knew (a win) would happen and it was a matter of time. I was like, when and why isn’t it coming?,” she said. 

A lot of my peers and like girls around my age and just coming in at the same time getting their wins, I always was like, I know I can do it, but when is it coming?

“To really get it done, and especially in (my) first tournament of the year, is really nice.”

She made 10 straight pars, allowing Ko to edge in front, but holed birdie putts of about 15 feet on the par-4 13th hole and 12 feet on the par-4 14th while Ko made bogey on each — her first bogeys of the week.

Noh switched to the broomstick putter last year, a move she credited with her increased self-belief.

“I was really struggling with my putting in 2023. Switching to the broomstick gave me back my confidence, got my shots back, just boosted my confidence,” she said.

Ko, a 15-time winner including two majors, was more upset about ending her bogey-free streak of 95 holes that included the season-opener than finishing second. 

“I had bogey today. I mean, I don’t care about winning,” Ko said. “I just want to continue bogey-free round until maybe Thailand or Singapore. I did my best I think and I had great week.”

Top-ranked Nelly Korda, who won a different tournament on this course last year to kick off a seven-win season, closed with a 71 and finished nine shots back.

Noh was consistent enough to get a captain’s pick for the Solheim Cup in 2021, then had a couple of down years before making 21 cuts in 25 starts in 2024.