Lydia Ko fell short of claiming another LPGA Tour title but she finished third at the Kia Classic in California today.
Ko ended the week at 17-under after shooting a five-under 67 in her final round. She was three strokes back from American Cristie Kerr (-20). Korean Mirim Lee was second at 18-under.
The Auckland-educated golfer began the day four strokes back from the leader and made five birdies on the front nine and looked like she might take the title herself.
But the back nine wasn't as kind to her as she only made one birdie and a bogey, which allowed Kerr, who fired a seven-under 65 today, to earn the title.
Ko, the world No 1, will likely hold on to her billing at the top of the global pecking order but No 2 Inbee Park finished fifth at the Kia Classic to send a reminder that she is in hot pursuit.
The Kiwi 17-year-old leads the Race to the CME Globe standings, which is the season-long points race on the LPGA Tour.
NZME.
