Helen Alfredsson’s page on Wikipedia says she is retired, but you wouldn’t have known it this year.
The 54-year-old Alfredsson, a native of Sweden who played at U.S. International University in San Diego, came from two strokes down to win the Senior LPGA Championship by three shots over Juli Inkster in cold and windy conditions on the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort http://www.frenchlick.com/golf in French Lick, Ind.
Alfredsson, who lived in Southern California for much of her LPGA Tour career, swept the two women’s majors this year, also winning the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in May by two strokes over Inkster at Pine Needles Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C.
“The first one was a great feeling because it was my first USGA trophy,” said Alfredsson, who has won 25 titles as a pro, including seven on the LPGA Tour. “I always like to be strong at the finish, to be able to keep it together.
“It was difficult out there today, everything was such a struggle. I was just trying to hit the greens, get the ball to stay on the greens. I needed to hit good shots coming in and I was able to do it.
“It’s nice to play when it’s warm and sunny, but the more crazy things get, the more I seem to focus.”
Alfie closed with a 2-under-par 70 after starting with 72-72 and recorded a 54-hole total of 2-under 214.
Inkster, who lives in Los Altos Hills and played at San Jose State, took the lead with a 69 in the second round, but struggled to a 76 while making only one birdie in the final round.
“I’m disappointed, but I just didn’t play very good,” said Inkster, who has won 44 times as a pro and is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. “I got off to a bad start and just didn’t get any rhythm, but Helen played great.
“My practice swings felt good, but when I got over the ball, my lower body just wasn’t moving. I’m disappointed, but I’ll get over it.”
Trish Johnson of England, the 2017 champion, and Moira Dunn-Bohls both finished with 75 and were four shots back in a tie for third, while Michelle Redman was five down in fifth after a 72, followed by Becky Morgan of Wales, who was one more back in sixth following a 73.
Jill McGill, who played at USC and led after a first-round 66, shot 76 and wound up seven strokes behind in a tie for seventh with Lisa Grimes, who finished at 74, Rosie Jones, who totaled 77, and Jean Bartholomew, who came in at 78.
Defending champion Laura Davies tied for 19th after a closing 80.
For complete results, visit http://live.lpgascoring.com/seniors/site/Leaderboard.aspx
