Zimmerman Wins Torquoise Tourney, Her First LPGA Title

Mary Beth Zimmerman fired a one-under-par 71 Sunday to withstand challenges from Cathy Kratzert and Donna Caponi and win the $250,000 Turquoise tournament for her first LPGA Tour victory.

Zimmerman’s round gave her a four-day total of 10-under-par 278, one stroke better than both Kratzert and Caponi. Caponi shot a three-under 69 Sunday, while Kratzert shot a two-under 70.

Finishing alone in fourth place was defending champion Betsy King with a 281 after shooting 69 on Sunday. She was followed by Alice Ritzman and Vicki Fergon at 282.

Zimmerman’s victory gave her the winner’s check of $37,500, and she became the fourth golfer in seven years to record her first professional victory in Phoenix.

“I played not as well as I did the first three days,” Zimmerman said. “But I was determined to win it. I never gave up today.”

Zimmerman took a one-shot lead over Kratzert on the par-4 17th hole, running in a 40-foot putt for a birdie.

Kratzert, who saved par by blasting out of a bunker to within five feet, also thought that Zimmerman had won the tournament on that hole.

However, Zimmerman received a scare on the par-4 18th hole. She hit her drive way to the right onto the 15th fairway, then her approach shot hit a tree and bounced underneath a scoreboard.

However, she chipped within 10 feet and two-putted from there to come away with a bogey and the victory.