The timing is pretty good for Ariya Jutanugarn to find her winning ways again.
She’s been a force on the LPGA Tour the past two years but slumped a bit and now she’s back.
It’s a good news/bad news scenario for the rest — the U.S. Open at Shoal Creek is just two weeks away.
Jutanugarn was the playoff winner Sunday in Williamsburg. The Kingsmill event, like the rest of the east coast was hit by rain, shortening the championship to just 54 holes. Those 54 holes weren’t enough — took a couple of extra ones in a playoff.
Jutanugarn finished 14-under along with In Gee Chun and Japanese newcomer Nasa Hataoka.
The 22-year-old from Thailand birdied the 18th hole twice for her eighth tour victory. Chun bowed out the first go-round then Hataoka couldn’t make birdie the second try at the 18th.
“When I think about winning, I never win,” Jutanugarn said with ever-present smile. So this week she didn’t let the thought cross her mind. “I didn’t expect anything but I knew I’ve been playing really well,” she said.
This one was shortened to three rounds thanks to a total washout Saturday in Williamsburg.
The women head to Ann Arbor this week for the Volvik Championship then to Shoal Creek for their second major of the year.
