Lincicome overcomes high winds and Ochoa

Gusts as high as 41 mph didn’t stop Brittany Lincicome from winning the LPGA’s Ginn Open at Reunion, Fla., Sunday even though her closest competitor, Lorena Ochoa, wondered how hard the wind would have to blow to stop play.

While the golfers often backed off their putts two and three times because of the wind, Lincicome shot an even-par 72 to win on the 6,505-yard Reunion Resort Club course by one shot over Ochoa, who played the final six holes in six over par. It was the second LPGA Tour title for Lincicome, who finished with a 10-under 278 total after starting the day four shots behind Ochoa and Laura Davies.

Ochoa was noticeably rattled at the 16th when she twice stepped away from her par putt, the second time because her cap was about to blow off her head.

“The sand would come out of the bunkers and just hit us,” Ochoa said, tapping her face.

Lincicome, who earned $390,000 plus a new car, a necklace and a spa trip for the victory, said that even third place was going to be a great finish.

“I tried to stay patient,” she said, “and it paid off.”

Only a win would have pushed Ochoa to the world’s No. 1 ranking, but she missed a 10-foot bogey try on the final hole that would have forced a playoff.

“It’s hard to describe,” said Ochoa, who shot a 77. “Not meant to be. I tried really hard.”

Davies, who shot a final-round 79, had the lead with two holes to play, but three-putted to a double bogey at the 17th and then had a triple bogey at the last hole.

Conditions were brutal. Morning storms delayed play for 2 1/2 hours, and once the sky cleared, the wind followed.

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The final round of the Verizon Heritage at Hilton Head Island, S.C., was suspended until today after Harbour Town was hit by wind so strong that a tournament marshal was hit by a falling tree limb. The marshal, William Millon, was released from a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

Soon after Millon was hit, the final round was halted because balls wouldn’t remain in place on the 16th, 17th and 18th holes, which are exposed to Calibogue Sound. PGA Tour tournament director Slugger White said gusts were as high as 44 mph.