A Back-Nine Surge Lifts Inkster to Second Land O'Lakes Legends Classic Win

August 14, 2022 | 3 min.
By Nick Hunter


  PRIOR LAKE, Minn. – Watching putt after putt slide past the cup during her front nine Sunday, Juli Inkster carded two bogeys over her first eight holes to fall three shots off the lead during the final round of the 2022 LPGA Land O’Lakes Legends Classic at The Meadows at Mystic Lake.

“I putted really poorly on the front,” Inkster said. “I had about a 10-footer on nine, thought I hit a really good putt and didn’t make it—then I got mad.”

A fired-up Inkster rolled in three birdies over her first four holes to begin her back nine and would card a final-round 70 to claim her second consecutive title with a one-stroke victory over Leta Lindley.

“I was hitting the ball so well and finally started making some birdies. I want to have a good showing next week [at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open], so it helps to get out a play a little bit,” the 62-year-old World Golf Hall of Fame inductee said. “I just have to figure out my putting. The greens were great; it was operator error.

“Any time you win, it’s fun. I really love the game and I love to play.”

Playing her first eight holes in 2-over Sunday, Inkster turned four shots behind Lindley before sinking a 6-footer for birdie at the 10th. Following a short birdie at the 12th, Inkster pulled even with Lindley at 6-under with her birdie at the 13th.

The seven-time major champion converted her birdie chance at the par-4 16th to regain the outright lead and would get up-and-down on the final hole, sinking a 4-footer for par to claim back-to-back wins at the championship.

“Yesterday I hit every green but one and today I hit every green but one—the last hole,” Inkster said. “I knew I was hitting the ball well, I just needed to make some putts."

Inkster’s win Sunday marks her sixth victory on the LPGA Legends Tour, and her 46th win as a professional, earning a first-place prize of $35,000. With more than $14 million in career earnings, Inkster remains the only golfer in LPGA history to win a pair of majors in a decade for three consecutive decades.

Lindley improves on a 10th-place finish from a year ago, posting back-to-back rounds of 3-under 69 to finish one shot back at 6-under 138.

“My goal was 6-under today, so I missed it by three,” Lindley said Sunday. “I was rolling the ball better and putting much better. I feel like everything is coming together and I’m hitting the ball more solid and hitting my lines.

“I’ve been working really hard the last couple of months gearing up for these big tournaments. It gives me confidence—I know it’s there.”

Lindley, who ranks among the top-60 in career winnings with over 30 top-10 finishes, began the final round two shots off the lead, but quickly erased the deficit with a pair of birdies over her first six holes to take the outright lead.

Taking advantage of the par-5 10th Sunday, Lindley increased her lead to two, but was unable to convert any birdie chances over her final eight holes, shooting a second straight round of 69 to finish one back of Inkster at 6-under 138.

The senior ladies will now shift their attention to the 2022 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, set to begin Thursday at NCR Country Club in Kettering, Ohio.

Laura Diaz carded a 3-under 69 Sunday to take sole possession of third place at 5-under 139, while Maria McBride carded a final-round 67 Sunday to finish in share of fourth with former University of Minnesota women’s golf coach Michele Redman at 4-under 140.

Lisa Grimes, a professional from Alexandria, Minn., led a contingent of local golfers in the field this week. Grimes posted a two-day tally of 1-under 143 to place 10th.

Leigh Klasse carded back-to-back rounds of 4-over 76 to earn low-amateur honors.



THE 2ND LPGA LAND O’LAKES LEGENDS CLASSIC
THE MEADOWS AT MYSTIC LAKE
PRIOR LAKE, MINN.
5,874 YARDS, PAR 72


SUNDAY’S FINAL RESULTS

1. Juli Inkster, 67-70—137
2. Leta Lindley, 69-69—138
3. Laura Diaz, 70-69—139
T4. Maria McBride, 73-67—140
T4. Michele Redman, 69-71—140
T6. Liselotte Neumann, 73-69—142
T6. Rosie Jones, 72-70—142
T6. Kim Williams, 70-72—142
T6. Becky Iverson, 68-74—142
T10. Lisa Grimes, 74-69—143
T10. Barb Moxness, 73-70—143
T10. Maggie Will, 73-70—143
T10. Pat Hurst, 70-73—143


For complete tournament results go to:   https://2022legendsclassicmn.golfgenius.com/pages/8505991125465570243

Nick Hunter

Nick Hunter got his start covering sports for the Mankato Free Press while attending Minnesota State University, Mankato. 

He then contributed to several online outlets, including Bleacher Report, prior to turning his focus to golf.

Hunter enters his 11th season covering golf in Minnesota as news editor for the MGA website. He resides in New Prague with his wife and two sons.

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