HAENAM, South Korea - Japanese golfer Yuri Yoshida clinched her first LPGA Tour title Sunday with a narrow victory at the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea.
The 26-year-old shot a 4-under-par 68 in the final round at Pine Beach Golf Links in Haenam to finish at 17-under 271, one stroke clear of South Koreans Ryu Hae Ran and Choi Hye Jin in a tie for second.
Yoshida, who had started the day four shots off the pace in second place, carded one eagle and four birdies against two bogeys on her way to claiming the winner's check for $352,500.
In a dramatic finish, the Japanese player took the lead with a birdie on the 17th hole and held onto it after both she and overnight leader Ryu bogeyed the 18th.
"It's a dream come true," Yoshida said. "I was four shots behind, so I thought the key was to catch the leader by the front nine. I got off to a good start and was able to do that. I want to continue winning."
Among the other Japanese in the field, Nasa Hataoka shot a 66 to tie for sixth at 14 under, while sisters Akie and Chisato Iwai tied for 15th at 11 under.
