Ohio Golf Journal September 2020

four-under-par 67, which included an eagle, to give her a three-shot lead over Minjee Lee and Thidapa Suwannapura heading into the final round. Most golf experts expected the rarified air of leading a major championship would become too much for her and she would fold on Sunday, but they were wrong. The success she had found in college and the three wins, during April and May on the Cactus Tour, plus her improved health allowed her to post a three-under-par 68 on Sunday to seal the deal hoist the AIG Women’s OPEN trophy. She also credits the experience she gained from caddying for Van Dam in the Drive On Championship at Inverness Club in Toledo helped her better understand how she could improve her scoring. Popov had won a total of $108,000 in her five- year professional career before her win but collected $675,000 at the AIGWomen’s OPEN. Hopefully her Symetra Tour days are behind her as she earned full-time membership on the LPGA Tour. Expect to hear more from Sophia Popov. She is determined and displayed a gritty and aggressive golf game to capture her major championship victory. Once again Toledo helps to launch a successful LPGA Tour career. Ohio Golf Journal