Lydia Ko made a charge with three birdies in the last five holes, but Inbee Park was unstoppable and took gold with a 66 on Saturday at the Women’s Olympic Golf Tournament. Bronze went to China’s Shanshan Feng, who was 10 under par.
‘This is definitely one of the special moments in my golfing career and in my whole life,’ said Park. ‘It feels great. Obviously representing your country, winning the gold, it’s so special. It’s just really all I’ve wanted. I’m just happy.’
South Africa’s Paula Reto tied for 16th place after carding level-par 71 in the final round. She was four under par for the tournament on the tough seaside track, which suffered breezy conditions in the first two rounds.
Ashleigh Simon shot 75 in the final round to finish sole 50th in golf’s return to the Olympics.
The tournament was a resounding success, with the best women’s golfers contending down the stretch. The media was out in force, and the players impressed.
Six different nations won medals as golf joined the Olympics for the first time in 112 years.
