Park surges to big win

As Inbee Park hunted down Jin-Young Ko in the final stretch of the Women’s British Open in Turnberry, Scotland, it quickly became clear which South Korean was the rookie and which was the player about to add another chapter in golf’s record book.

The top-ranked Park picked up seven shots in her last 12 holes, pressured her 20-year-old protege so much she finally lost her nerve, and completed a 7-under 65 to capture the trophy she thought she might never win.

Park won by three shots at 12-under 276 for a seventh major title, becoming just the seventh female player to win four different majors – after Louise Suggs, Mickey Wright, Pat Bradley, Juli Inkster, Karrie Webb and Annika Sorenstam.

“I don’t know what else to go for now,” said Park, who has won six of the last 14 majors to cement her status as the best player of her generation.

How about ending the debate about clinching the so-called career Grand Slam?

The LPGA Tour is calling Park’s achievement just that. However, Park hasn’t won the France-based Evian Championship since it was given the status of a fifth major in 2013. She won the Evian in 2012.

The Evian is staged next month, when Park can complete definitively what some are calling the “Super Slam.”

“I feel like I’ve won all the majors in women’s golf,” Park said, attempting to put a stop to the discussion.

The 27-year-old Park is the second-youngest player to win the four traditional majors.

Webb was 26 when she completed the haul in 2001.

Park passed $12 million in career earnings with the winner’s check of $450,000.

Lydia Ko, 18, was seeking to become the youngest major winner, beating the record of Morgan Pressel by seven months. She shot a 69 and tied for third at 8 under with So Yeon Ryu.

PGA Tour

Troy Merritt won the Quicken Loans National in Gainesville, Virginia, for his first PGA Tour title, closing with a 4-under 67 for a three-stroke victory over Rickie Fowler.

The victory came a day after Merritt soared to the lead with a tournament-record 61 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. He won in his 96th career start on the tour, finishing at 18-under 266.

Rickie Fowler, who started the day a shot off the lead, made a birdie on the final hole to claim second, and David Lingmerth was third.

Champions Tour

Kenny Perry successfully defended his 3M Championship title, shooting a 4-under 68 for a four-stroke victory over at 18-under 198 in Blaine, Minnesota.

After shooting a 61 on Saturday to take a four-stroke lead, the 54-year-ol Perry had six birdies and two bogeys in the final round to finish at 18-under 198.

Former Pullman resident Kirk Triplett finished seventh at 11-under after a 69.