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The LPGA Tour made a stop this week at the Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, California for the LPGA Kia Classic. The event, which started in 2010, was won by Nasa Hataoka last season by three shots over Inbee Park, Sung Hyun Park, Jin Young Ko, Azahara Munoz, and Danielle Kang after a final round of 67. The ladies were playing for a purse of $1,800,000 and 500 points towards the Race to the CME Globe.

First Round

Inbee Park too the early lead with six birdies and a round of 66. Hyo Joo Kim was a shot back after recording eight birdies and a round of 67. In Gee Chun and Sophia Popov led a group of four at two shots off the pace. Amy Yang and Mina Harigae were in the mix at three-under par. Danielle Kang had a rollercoaster ride that included three birdies, an eagle, and three bogeys. Twelve more were at one-under par for a total of 49 players at par or better. Notables include Ariya Jutanugarn at one-over, Brooke Henderson, and Lydia Ko at two-over, and Nelly Korda an Jeongeun Lee6 at four-over par. Michelle Wie West, playing in her first tournament in two years, struggled to an 81.

Second Round

After a round of 69, Inbee Park remained in the lead by a shot over Sophia Popov, who shot a 68. Mel Reid was three shots back at six-under par and Hyo Joo Kim was four shots off the pace. Wei-Ling Hsu went four-under par over a three-hole stretch, including an eagle on the par 4 fourth. She finished at four-under par. Gerin Piller led a group of four at three-under par, while seven more players finished the first 36 holes at two-under par. Brooke Henderson and Stacy Lewis were eight shots back, while Ariya Jutanugarn made the cut on the number at three-over par. Michelle Wie West improved to a 74, but missed the cut at 11-over par. In Gee Chun would have been in great position for the weekend at four shots back, but was disqualified after failing to sign her scorecard.

Third Round

Inbee Park increased her lead to five after a three-under par round of 69. Mi Jung Hur moved into a three-way tie for second with Minjee Lee and Mel Reid after a round of 67. Madelene Sagstrom shot the round of the week with a 64 to vault into a three-way tie with Lexi Thompson and Jin Yung Ko at six-under par. Sophia Popov fell off the pace after a round of 76, while Ariya Jutanugarn showed signs of her past glory, shooting a round of 66. Nelly Korda finished at two-under, while Lydia Ko headed a group of nine at one-under. Gerina Piller fell out of competition after a round of 76 left her tied for 45th at one-over-par.

Final Round

After a two-under par 70, Inbee Park ran away with her 21st LPGA win. Her 14-under-par finish was five shots ahead of Amy Olson and Lexi Thompson. Jin Young Ko finished sole possession of fourth at eight-under-par. Another shot back were Hyo Joo Kim and Minjee Lee. Stacy Lewis went on a birdie run, recording eight on the final ten holes to finish with a 65 and tied Danielle Kang and Wei-Ling Hsu at six-under-par. Nelly Korda and Brooke Henderson finished at five-under-par, while a large group of nine were at four-under-par. Madelene Sagstrom had a rough day, finishing 12 shots worse than in the third round, posting a 76 and finished at two-over-par.

Coming Up

The LPGA Tour heads to Rancho Mirage, California for the first major of the season at the ANA Inspiration. Mirim Lee won last season in a three-way playoff over Brooke Henderson and Nelly Korda. There is $3,100,000 up for grabs in prize money along with 625 points towards the Race to the CME Globe.