WOMEN’S GOLF : Sheehan Staggers, but Still Wins Easily

All Patty Sheehan was trying to do was hold on. And she did, despite a final round of four-over-par 75 in the Jamaica Classic. It was still good enough to get the job done by three strokes in the first LPGA tournament of the year.

Sheehan began the day with a five-shot cushion and easily won the 54-hole tournament with a 1-under 212 total. She earned the $75,000 first prize plus a bonus of $60,000.

Pat Bradley, Lynn Connelly and Jane Geddes tied for second at 215. Patti Rizzo and Muffin Spencer-Devlin were at 216.

Sheehan, who shot 69 on the first day and 68 on the second, began the final day well. But after she birdied the par-five fifth hole, she got bogeys on four of the next six holes.

Sheehan, 33, recovered and parred the next six holes. With her victory almost assured, she finished the tournament with another bogey.

Bradley made a late bid with a four-under 67 that included three birdies and six pars on the front nine.

Spencer-Devlin and Maggie Will finished with 68s and Geddes and Rizzo ended at 69.

Beth Daniel shot the best round of the tournament, a 65, but finished at 219. Defending champion Betsy King shot 77 and wound up at 224.