Lincicome Is HSBC Women's World Matchplay Champion

20 year-old American Brittany Lincicome secured her first ever LPGA tournament on Sunday with an unexpected but deserved victory in the final of the HSBC Women's World Matchplay Championship at Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, New Jersey.

Entering the tournament as the 39th seed, Lincicome defeated the number two seed Michelle Wie in the quarter-final and number three seed Lorena Ochoa in the semi-final before her 3&2 victory over number eight seed Juli Inkster in Sunday?s final.

Inkster, who had sensationally beaten number one seed Annika Sorenstam in the quarter-finals, never recovered from Lincicome?s fast start. Lincicome found herself five up after eight holes in the final and, despite a flurry of birdies on the back nine, Inkster was unable to reel in her young opponent.

Lincicome earned $500,000 for her victory and moves up from 22nd to 6th on the ADT money list. It was her fourth top ten finish of the season and the win also guarantees her presence at the end of season ADT Championship in November.

?This has been an awesome week,? she said.

?I played great and I hope it is the first of many wins. It was good to get out to a good early lead and that was a real confidence booster.?

Key Moment: Inkster?s poor start ? she was four over par after eight holes

Quote, Unquote: ?This is something I have dreamed about since I was a little girl, playing on the LPGA Tour and winning a tournament.? Lincicome lives the dream.