France’s Celine Boutier Secures Victory Over Arpichaya Yubol at ShopRite LPGA

France’s Celine Boutier made a remarkable comeback on Sunday, chipping in three birdies around the turn to post a five-under 66 and secure a one-shot victory over Arpichaya Yubol at the ShopRite LPGA. Ireland’s Lauren Walsh claimed third place with a final-round 67.

Soo Bin Joo, the 22-year-old South Korean seeking her first LPGA Tour title, squandered a four-shot lead on the back nine. Her struggles began on the 13th hole, where a misdirected fairway shot led to a clumpy lie. A wedge that overshot the green resulted in a double bogey, costing her the lead and dropping her three strokes behind Boutier.

Boutier maintained her composure, avoiding major errors throughout the final round. Although she missed a four-foot birdie putt on the final hole, her nine-under par total ensured victory. “To have a chance to win today is definitely something very special,” Boutier remarked, reflecting on her 32-year-old career resurgence. The win marks her seventh LPGA title and 12th globally, reversing a slump this season where a tie for ninth was her best result in 10 starts.

Yubol, penalized one stroke on Saturday for slow play, birdied the last two holes for a 66, moving her to second place. The 25-year-old Thai player had previously finished four shots behind Nelly Korda in Mexico. Walsh’s steady performance kept her in third, edging out Joo and four others who tied for fourth. Ireland’s Leona Maguire rounded out the top 10 in a tie for ninth.

Boutier’s ascent began on the front nine, where two consecutive birdies put her at seven under. Joo’s bogey on the par-four eighth gave Boutier the lead, which she maintained with clutch play, including a 30-foot birdie putt earlier in the round.

Boutier credited her improved form to recent weeks of steady play. “I could see it coming together,” she said. “I’m super excited to be back in the winner’s circle.” A promotional blurb for the upcoming US Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club appears below.

Watch the US Women’s Open from June 4-7, held at Riviera Country Club in California, live on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.

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