Ko triumphs at the Classic Volunteers of America

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Ko handed a 69 (minus-2) card and held off Finland’s Matilda Castren (69) to win by one stroke. It was the South Korean’s first start since dropping world No. 1.

Ko signed his first title this year, and an eighth in his career on the LPGA Tour, thanks to a cumulative score of minus-16.

The South Korean held the top of the world rankings for almost two years, until Nelly Korda snatched that position from her last week, following her victory at the PGA Women’s Championship.

Ko had not finished a tournament in the top-10 in four of his last five LPGA starts. This victory will not allow him to leave the second level in the world.

Castren rocked the tournament when she missed a short putt from three feet away for a par, at 15^e pennant. She scored a birdie at 17^e hole, but his previous mistake was costly.

Mexican Gaby Lopez played 65, committing her only bug on the last hole. She climbed alone in third place, two strokes from Ko.

Emma Talley was 63, her best of the day and her career best on the LPGA Tour. She was joined by Esther Henseleit (72) and Ana Belac (68) in fourth, minus-12.

No Canadian took part in the weekend rounds.

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