GOLF : Mallon Gets Her First Win

Meg Mallon had the right approach.

Mallon, seeking the first victory in her five-year career, hit spectacular approach shots to set up birdies on the last two holes Monday to win the $400,000 LPGA tournament.

The tournament was halted because of rain Sunday with Mallon holding a two-stroke lead after playing seven holes.

“Those were the two greatest shots I’ve hit in my life, especially under the circumstances,” Mallon said, describing a 171-yard five-wood on the 17th hole and a 165-yard three-iron at the 18th, both into a gusting wind.

“I was really steaming coming off the 16th green after that bogey. But I just told myself not to swing too fast and to try to hit the ball solidly.”

She finished with a one-under-par 71, a total of 276 and a two-stroke margin over rookie Dana Lofland.

Lofland, making her debut on the LPGA tour, tied for the lead briefly with a birdie at No. 17 after Mallon bogeyed 16. Lofland was second with a 70 for 278.

Mallon made 10 consecutive pars at one point in the final round, but only Lofland and former champion Dottie Mochrie could make up any ground.

After a double bogey on the first hole Sunday, Lofland came back with four birdies and a bogey on the last nine holes Monday. She missed a 10-footer at the 18th hole.

“I’m kind of glad Meg made her putt on 18,” said Lofland, the 1985 U.S. Girls Junior champion. “That way, the putt I missed there didn’t cost me the tournament.”

Mochrie bogied the 16th and 18th holes to finish with a 72, dropping into a tie for third at 280 with Tammie Green, who closed with a 70, and Laurel Kean, who shot 72.

Pat Bradley hit her drive into the water at 18, made double bogey for 71 and finished at 281, tied with Betsy King, who shot 74.