The Republic of Korea’s Mirim Lee made the famed leap into Poppie’s Pond, nailing a birdie on the first playoff hole at the 2020 ANA Inspiration to beat Canadian Brooke Henderson and the USA’s Nelly Korda, all tied at -15. Lee shot a final-round 67, sparked by birdie chip-ins at 6 and 16 and an eagle chip at the final hole to jump to the top of the leaderboard.

 

“I can't really believe it right now,” said Lee, who earned her first major title and her first victory since the 2017 Kia Classic. “To be honest, I feel like I must be a little crazy for winning and for having won this, and I think I'll be able to feel it once I meet my family and reunite with them.”

 

Playing in the penultimate group, Lee stepped to the 18th tee two strokes behind Korda after a bogey at No. 17. After reaching the green in two, Lee chipped in from off the back of the green to tie for the lead.

 

“It was a bit disappointing having the bogey on 17, so my plan for 18 was just to have a birdie and do what I have to do to keep my head up,” said Lee. “When the shot went in, I think I was really surprised. It must have been a bit of luck that helped me.”

 

Playing together in the final group, Korda made par and Henderson birdied 18 to force the three-way playoff. On the first hole of sudden death, Henderson and Lee reached the green in two, but Korda’s tee shot found the left rough and she was forced to lay up. Henderson’s birdie putt just squeaked by the hole and Korda’s attempt came up well short. Lee’s birdie putt found the center of the hole, giving her the title. 

 

“I played solid today. Had a couple bogeys kind of starting on the back nine, but I kept my calm,” said Korda, who became the fourth player to lead after the first three rounds but not take the title. “Didn't hit a really good shot on 18 off the tee both times, so that's what kind of got me in trouble there.”