King’s Hawaiian Victory Marks First Win Since ’97

Betsy King won for the first time since 1997, getting off to a fast start Saturday and earning a two-shot victory in the Hawaiian Ladies Open at Kapolei.

It was the 32nd career victory for the 44-year-old LPGA Hall of Famer, whose last victory came in the Dinah Shore three years ago.

King, who began the final round tied for the lead with Sally Dee, finished at 12-under-par 204. Brandie Burton was second and Joanne Morley was three shots behind in third.

King birdied three of the first four holes, then survived two bogeys on the back nine. The victory was worth $97,500 and boosted her career LPGA Tour earnings to more than $6.4 million.

She made an eight-foot birdie putt on No. 1, and fell two feet short of an eagle on No. 3, settling for birdie.

King moved to 14-under with a short birdie putt on the fourth hole and played par for the rest of the front nine. Dee dropped six shots back with a double bogey on No. 6, and Sophie Gustafson bogeyed Nos. 2, 9, 11 and 12 to fall out of contention.

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Bruce Fleisher likes his score but not his form at the Senior PGA Tour GTC Classic in Lutz, Fla.

Fleisher fired a seven-under 64 and holds a five-stroke lead over Dana Quigley and John Mahaffey after 36 holes. His 11-under 131 total is a second-day event record.

“The number is solid, but the golf swing still isn’t there,” Fleisher said. “I took advantage of my good shots and got lucky on my bad shots. I kept the ball in play, but I’m still not overly comfortable swinging yet.”

Quigley shot 66 and Mahaffey recorded his second straight 68. First-round co-leader Jim Dent shot a 72 and is six back in fourth place.

Jack Nicklaus shot his first subpar round of the year, a one-under 70, and is tied for 18th place at 142.