On Sunday, Lilia Vu’s remarkable final round performance at the LPGA Meijer Classic in Michigan resulted in a playoff victory. Vu’s bogey-free display put her at a 16-under-par aggregate of 272, earning her the fifth title of her career on the LPGA Tour.
The sudden-death playoff was a nail-biter, with Lexi Thompson and Grace Kim both birdying on the first two holes. However, Kim’s difficult eagle putts proved to be her undoing as Vu’s composure under pressure ultimately led to her victory on the third hole.
Grace Kim had been leading by five shots after the third round but struggled early in the final round with back-to-back bogeys. Despite a steady back nine, she was unable to secure a birdie when needed most. Lexi Thompson made a strong push with a birdie on the 18th, joining Vu and Kim at 16 under and setting up the playoff.
While Kim expressed disappointment in her near miss, she also acknowledged the learning experience and potential for future success on the LPGA Tour. Thompson, who had been a crowd favorite throughout the tournament, nearly clinched victory with a close eagle attempt on the 18th green. However, it was Vu’s consistent play and ability to handle pressure that ultimately secured her well-deserved win in this exciting tournament.