Kerr, Jang share LPGA Tour lead, Ko in position for bonus

Players from the Republic of Korea came out of the gates quickly, winning the first six events before Kerr found the winner’s circle at the Kia Classic in March.

Multiple tour trophies, the world number one ranking and the title itself came down to dramatic final-hole tests.

And with one round left in the LPGA Tour season, there’s plenty left to decide. Ernst finished in style with a birdies at the par-five 17th and par-four last, where she almost holed out with a five-wood approach from 192 yards.

“Good golf is just good golf”, Kerr said. “It doesn’t really matter what age it is. I think I proved that”. That pitching wedge, I just kind of stood up on it. I knew that I was leaving putts short and I knew I had to get it there. She’s now certain of going to the LPGA Hall when she completes her 10th season next year. “Beth, Annika, Nancy, they are legendary players”. Ko has been listening to Adele’s new album to get ready for her rounds at Tiburon this week.

The same could be said for Ko in a few years if the uber-talented teen continues to barnstorm her way through the LPGA ranks, and there is no reason to believe she will do anything else. “To know that I am the player of the year, it’s an awesome feeling”.

Ko is trying to take the $1 million Race to the CME Globe bonus for the second consecutive year.

With a strong final round in the season-ending LPGA event, world No. 1 Ko can win the money list, Player of the Year and the Vare Trophy (for best scoring average).

Kerr shot a 4-under 68 and finished at 17-under 271, one shot better than Gerina Piller and Ha Na Jang.

Lexi Thompson would finish alone in fourth and she was followed by France’s Karin in fifth. Cue a few celebratory tears, the 18-year-old later joking it’s the most anyone will ever see her cry on TV.

Park’s accomplishment earned the seven-time major victor, who closed out her five-win season in sixth place at 12-under, the last of 27 points required for LPGA Hall of Fame eligibility.

First-round leader Austin Ernst (US) has slipped back into a share of eighth place after adding a pedestrian one-over 73 second round to her opening 66. At the start of the week, I would say the biggest trophy that would mean a lot to me would be the player of the year. “A lot of different honors”.

Park was second in the Globe chase, pocketing a $150,000 bonus.

“I think it’s great for the tour”, said Stacy Lewis, who was at 7 under and could win the $1 million bonus if she wins the tournament. “All the hard work from this year to today”, Sura said.

However, when Ko holed out for a closing bogey, she had no idea that the points worked in her favor.