Salas bags first LPGA victory

WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia (AP) ― Lizette Salas won the Kingsmill Championship on Sunday for her first LPGA Tour title, finishing with even-par 71 for a four-stroke victory.

The 24-year-old former Southern California player was never really challenged in the final round on the River Course. She started the day with a three-shot lead and doubled it with birdies on the par-5 third and par-3 fifth. A bogey on the par-4 eighth was her only hiccup ― and only her third bogey in four rounds ― until she three-putted the par-3 17th.

She finished at 13-under 271 and earned $195,000.

Salas, who has had several near misses, cupped her head in her hands and covered her face in celebration after the final putt fell, but her winning moment was quickly interrupted by a champagne, water and wine shower from fellow competitors.

“I was patient, I was happy, and I was ready most importantly,” she said on the green. “I took a different approach this week of not thinking so much and trying to be perfect.”

This year, Salas tied for third in the season-opening event in the Bahamas and shared the lead after three rounds in the Kia Classic in California, but Anna Nordqvist closed with a 5-under 67 to win by one.


Todd wins Byron Nelson

IRVING, Texas (AP) ― Brendon Todd was shocked when he saw his ball settled at the base of a tree by the 13th green in the final round of the Byron Nelson Championship.

As good as he is with his short game, it wasn’t natural for the slender 6-foot-3 Todd to set up left-handed and hit the ball with the back side of a 4-iron.

“Definitely, without a doubt,” Todd said when asked if it was his most unique shot in a competitive round.

And it came in his first PGA Tour victory, a two-stroke win Sunday over Mike Weir.

Todd saved par at the 185-yard 13th hole after knocking the ball to 7 feet, part of a bogey-free 4-under 66. He finished at 14-under 266.

It was the 77th career PGA Tour event for Todd.