Teenager Chanettee Wannasaen became the first Monday qualifier to win on the LPGA Tour since 2015, firing a scintillating nine-under 63 to claim the Portland Classic by four strokes.
Her Sunday charge included an early five-hole stretch of six-under, giving the 19-year-old all the momentum heading into the back nine – and no one could respond.
"I'm really proud of myself because I really work hard for the trophy," said Wannasaen, who arrived at Portland ranked 367th and having missed nine straight cuts in her rookie season.
The Thai superstar will surely be feeling as though she’ll never miss a cut again after putting four rounds together in the sixties at Columbia Edgewater and smashing the tournament scoring record by five strokes with a 26-under 262 total.
"I don't give up. Yeah, I don't give up," added Wannasaen, who lost a playoff to Yue Ren last week in Idaho in the Epson Tour's Circling Raven Championship
"I always to work hard, to work hard for improve my short game, improve my mind, improve my play. I do everything to get a trophy."
Wannasaen joins an exclusive club on the LPGA Tour of just two other qualifiers who have gone on to claim victory.
In 2000, American Laurel Kean won the State Farm Classic in 2000, and in 2015, Canada's Brooke Henderson won the same Portland event as Wannasaen.
Wannasaen carded 30 on the front nine, and she didn’t back off. Birdies followed at 13 and 14, and another at the 17th gave her a five-shot advantage.
"I really like this course because I can make a lot of birdies and I think the course is really beautiful and it's amazing course," Wannasaen added.
The previous tournament scoring record was 21 under, posted by Hannah Green in 2019 and Henderson in 2015. It's no wonder Wannasaen praised the the course.
"I really like it. Because like long time I cannot made a lot of birdie, but this course I can do that."
-
All-Century Golf Bag: Which 14 Clubs From 2000-2024 Make The Cut?Fergus Bisset considers popularity, reviews, innovation and his own opinion to select an all-century bag, driver to putter. Do you agree with his selections?
-
You Can Now Buy TAG Heuer Golf Watches At PGA TOUR Superstore, And Boy Do I Want One!TAG Heuer golf watches are as premium as it gets in the golf space, and I cannot stress enough how much I want one...
-
Grant Thornton Invitational Prize Money Payout 2024How much money is on the line at the Grant Thornton Invitational?
-
R&A Introduces New Transgender Policy For Top Women's Golf EventsThe R&A has introduced a new transgender policy prohibiting golfers who have been through male puberty from taking part in top women's events
-
Tony Finau Pulls Out Of Grant Thornton InvitationalTony Finau has withdrawn from the Grant Thornton Invitational due to a knee injury, with his place alongside Nelly Korda being taken up by Daniel Berger
-
NCAA Div 1 Champion, World No.14 And LET Winners Amongst 26 Players Who Secured 2025 LPGA Tour CardsAfter almost a week of drama, 26 players have secured their playing rights on the LPGA Tour for 2025, with 10 rookies joining the top circuit
-
American Pro DQ'd From LET Q-School Without Hitting A ShotGabby Lemieux travelled over to North Africa for Ladies European Tour Q-School but was disqualified on the first morning of action
-
Grant Thornton Invitational Odds, Picks And PredictionsThe mixed pairs event returns for another year, with 32 of the biggest names from both the PGA and LPGA Tour circuits featuring once again
-
Nelly Korda One Of Three Golfers In Highest-Paid Female Athletes 2024 As Tennis Continues To DominateKorda topped the total earnings for a female golfer in 2024, but one of her rivals picked up more money from on-course achievements...
-
‘Every Time I Would Think About It Or I'd Have Them Conversations, I Would Get A Little Bit Upset' - Amy Boulden Opens Up On Retirement DecisionAmy Boulden officially retired from pro golf recently but shared that she is not completely closed off to the idea of making tour starts again one day...
