Stacy Lewis claimed the No. 1 spot in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings by shooting 4-under-par 67 to win the ShopRite LPGA Classic by six strokes over Christina Kim on the Bay Course at Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway, N.J.
Lewis, coming off a bogey-free 63 in the second round, stayed in front by carding birdies on the second and third holes before adding for more to win for the second time this season and claim the 10th LPGA Tour victory of her career.
“It feels great to get the win, that was the goal,” said Lewis, who was No. 1 for a few weeks last year. “I was tired of hearing all the scenarios (about what it would take to be No. 1). I just had to go out and take care of business.
“I definitely want to stay there for a while. It was so short last time, but I know what to expect now. My life is already busy, so it can’t get much busier.”
Kim, from San Jose, was seeking her first victory since the 2005 Tournament of Champions, but closed with a 72 that included a double-bogey 7 on the final hole and held on for second.
Jennifer Johnson of Carlsbad, who held the first-round lead with a tournament record-tying 62, also finished with a 72 and was seven shots back in a tie for third with Haeji Kang of South Korea, who had a 69, Gerina Piller and Anna Nordqvist of Sweden, who both came in at 70.
Inbee Park of South Korea, who was unseated at the top of the rankings by Lewis, shot 70 and finished in a tie for eighth that included defending champion Karrie Webb of Australia, who carded a 67.
