Lydia Ko Claims CME Group Tour Championship Finale

Ko carded a two-under final round as she picked up the CME Group Tour Championship, as well as the Race to CME Globe and Rolex Player of the Year

Ko hugs her playing partner whilst celebrating her win
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Matt Cradock
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In an enthralling final day at the CME Group Tour Championship, it was Lydia Ko who continued her superb form, as she secured a 19th LPGA Tour title and the largest single paycheck in women's golf history.

Although the weather had been against the field, it was Ko who excelled, as a two-under-par final round of 70 gave her a third CME Group Tour Championship title and the LPGA Tour's season-long Race to CME Globe.

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The 2022 Player of the Year started her round in a share of the lead with Solheim Cup star, Leona Maguire, with the Irishwoman shooting a nine-under-par third round to pull alongside the two-time Major winner.

Throughout the day, it was a clear two horse race between Ko and Maguire, as the duo battled it out on the Tiburon Golf Club layout. The contest was that tight, that a birdie at the eighth from Ko was the only difference as the pair headed in to the back nine.

As the back nine wore on, Ko kept Maguire at arm's length and, at the 16th, the 25-year-old dealt a decisive blow, with Ko birdieing the par 3 to stretch to two shots ahead with just two holes remaining.

Ko holds the cheque

Ko poses with CME Group CEO Terry Duffy and the winner's check

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Birdieing the 17th, her lead remained at two shots, with a par at the last handing her an emotional victory and a $2 million paycheck for her 19th LPGA Tour title.

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Matt Cradock
Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

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