News

Song Finishes Strong

December 13, 2010
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Song was one of 20 players to earn full exempt status for the 2011 season.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Aree Song won the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament on Sunday, shooting a 1-over 73 in wind, rain and cold for a two-stroke victory over 17-year-old Jessica Korda.

The 24-year-old Song, from South Korea, finished at 6-under 354 in the five-round event at LPGA International to earn one of 20 full 2011 tour exemptions.

"Any time you enter a competition and come out on top, you feel pretty good," said Song, of Seoul, South Korea, who makes her home in Orlando, Fla. "(With this weather), I couldn't hit it as close as the I did in the last four days, but I still hit it well."

Korda, the daughter of former tennis star Petr Korda, closed with a 77. After playing the tournament as an amateur, she said after the round that she was turning pro. She will be 18 on Feb. 27.

"It was a tough, tough day because it was really windy, and I lost my balance about 20 times," said Korda, from Bradenton, Fla. "But this is a dream come true."

South Korea's Jimin Jeong (71) was third at 3 under.