Na Yeon Choi Wins Inaugural LPGA Coates

By Libby Peacock,

OCALA, Fla.  — Na Yeon Choi overcame Friday’s two shot deficit to win the inaugural Coates Golf Championship presented by R+L Carriers with a 16 under par score this evening in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club in Ocala, Fla. This is the eighth career victory for the South Korean.

“It wasn't easy to stay calm on the last hole because I was so nervous out there,” said Na Yeon Choi. “I was waiting for this moment [for a long time], but finally [I’m here] and I'm so happy. I'm really looking forward this season.  I can see my game improving so much from the last year.” In its inaugural year, the Coates Golf Championship presented by R+L Carriers saw considerable attendance throughout the week. Tens of thousands of spectators attended the event to watch 120 of the world’s best female golfers compete in the first LPGA tournament of the year. In addition to the players and spectators, over 850 volunteers supported the event in various roles throughout the week.

“This week has been an impressive start to our 2015 season,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “We could not be happier with the response we have received from the communities of Ocala, Marion County and Central Florida. The spectator support here has been among the best on the LPGA Tour.” Choi trailed Lydia Ko by one stroke going into hole #17. She was able to par #17 under pressure as Ko double bogeyed, giving Choi a one shot lead going into the final hole. Ko played aggressive going for the green in two, while Choi laid up and played safe; Ko pared the hole, leaving Choi with a tap-in putt for the victory.

Ko’s second place finish awarded her with the projected #1 in the Rolex World Ranking, making her the youngest male or female golfer to earn #1 in the world.

“Congratulations to Na Yeon Choi—our first Coates Golf Champion,” said Mollie Coates, President of Coates Golf. “We could sense from day one that this would be an exceptional week in golf. Congratulations also to Lydia Ko, the youngest golfer in the history of men's and women's golf to be projected as number one in the world. We can't wait to see what the rest of 2015 holds for women's golf.”

To stay up to date with tournament news and information, please visit www.CoatesGolfChampionship.com, www.facebook.com/CoatesGolfChampionship and www.twitter.com/CoatesGolfChamp.