Karrie Webb sees eighth major victory slip through her fingers at Evian Championship
Teenage sensation Hyo-Joo Kim has pipped Karrie Webb at the final hole to win the Evian Championship.
In the blink of an eye, Karrie Webb saw her eighth major championship win slip through her fingers as she bogeyed the final hole to lose the 2014 Evian Championship by a shot to Hyo-Joo Kim.
Going into the final round, Kim led Webb by one shot but Webb made up the difference on the opening hole. A string of birdies by both players through the middle of the round meant the major championship was always going to come down to the wire and Webb managed to take a one shot lead going to the final hole.
Both players found the fairway but Webb’s four-iron approach shot found the back of the green. A tricky chip shot almost went in the hole but scooted 12-feet past the hole.
Golf can be a cruel game. Just a minute later, Kim made a fantastic birdie putt to tie Webb for the lead, then Webb missed her par-saving putt. Game over.
“I don’t know what hit me actually. Two pretty good swings. Just didn’t get that 4‑iron to cut in there.” Webb said after her round. “But just probably a rush of adrenaline I think with the belly wedge. The putt was obviously a lot faster than I thought, too.”
“Then just hit a very poor putt after knowing I had to make it for a playoff.”
Thx 2 everyone 4 all ur nice messages of support 2day. Was def a tough finish 2 swallow but I kn I played well & the hard work is on track!
— Karrie Webb (@Karrie_Webb) September 14, 2014
Kim becomes the third-youngest golfer to win a major championship and she played some sensational golf over the week, including a record-breaking 9-under par 61 to lead the Webb by four shots after the first round.
But none of Kim’s shots were as impressive as her approach shot to the 18th green that Webb saw close-up after her approach found the fringe at the back of the green.
“Yeah, the shot was really impressive. I let the foot off the pedal a little bit, which probably let her have a little bit more of a free putt at it.” Webb said. “But she still had to make it and she did.
Impressive for a 19‑year old.”
“The putt’s probably 19‑year old nerves, but the shot is definitely very mature. She played great today.”