By: Paul Bartelt
Sports Editor
International Press Association
IPANews
Los Angeles, Ca. Japan native Nasa Hataoka shot a final round 67 to win the DIO Implant LA Open Sunday afternoon at Wilshire Country Club. It was the fifth time Hataoka has earned a victory on the LPGA Tour while leading after 54 holes. Hataoka finished the week at 15 under par 269, five strokes ahead of Hannah Green who shot 68 on Sunday and finished in second place at 10 under par.
Hataoka, 23, was tied for first place at seven under par after the second round as she birdied the final three holes on Friday. Hataoka lead by four strokes at 11 under par heading into Sunday’s final round. After seven straight pars, Hataoka made a 35 foot eagle putt on the par 4- 15th green to open a six stroke lead.
Sunday was Hataokas sixth LPGA career win, her first since 2021, which includes four major championships. Hataoka has never finished worse than tied for second after leading after the first three days of play. Hataoka has now won over 5.5 million in six seasons on the LPGA Tour.
Hataoka represented Japan in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. The DIO Implant LA Open was broadcast on the Golf Channel. Next week the LPGA Tour stays in Southern California for the Palos Verdes Championship presented by Bank of America RD1 starting on Thursday.