South Korea’s Mirim Lee is challenging Lydia Ko for the LPGA’s Rookie of the Year prize after notching a second title in the past two months.

Lee fended off World No.1 Stacy Lewis, former World No.1 Inbee Park and gritty Swede Caroline Hedwall to capture the Reignwood LPGA Classic at Reignwood Pine Valley Golf Club outside Beijing. Lee’s latest victory brings her within about US$500,000 of Ko on the LPGA money list and while overtaking the New Zealand teen remains unlikely, Lee has at least given herself a chance as the season draws near its end.

Mirim Lee hits an approach en route to winning the Reignwood event. PHOTO: Getty Images Mirim Lee hits an approach en route to winning the Reignwood event. PHOTO: Getty Images

At Pine Valley, Lee defied windy weather to post a steady closing four-under 69 for a two-stroke victory over Hedwall, who is still seeking her first LPGA success. Lewis, meanwhile, was uncharacteristically lethargic in sliding into a share of sixth place with a 75 after leading or co-leading for three days.

Lee carded only three bogeys for the week but saw her fortunes climax at the par-3 17th hole. Her tee shot finished on a rock, forcing Lee to invent a recovery shot that she managed to hit to 12 feet before holing the par putt. A birdie at the par-5 last sealed the title.

“The ball was actually on the rock.” Lee said of her unusual escape. “It went to the direction I wanted it to go, but it wasn’t the momentum that I wanted. So I was telling it to sit down and sit, but I think the result was pretty good. I was happy with the outcome.

Lee poses with her second trophy in a month. PHOTO: Getty Images Lee poses with her second trophy in a month.
PHOTO: Getty Images

“I really didn’t think I would get my second win this quickly.” Lee added. “I was a lot more nervous this time than first time around. I think I made a few mistakes towards the end, especially on the 18th. I’m really happy I won the tournament.”

The 23-year-old revealed she drew inspiration from playing alongside Lewis.

“Usually when I play my rounds I don’t watch the other players.” Lee said. “Today I really observed how Stacy played, and she was such a phenomenal player. It shows why she is the No. 1 player in the world.”

LEADERBOARD

1. Mirim Lee (S.Kor)       70-68-70-69—277

2. Caroline Hedwall (Swe)           67-71-68-73—279

T3. Inbee Park (S.Kor)   69-72-68-71—280

T3. Brittany Lang (USA) 70-66-72-72—280

T3. Haeji Kang (S.Kor)   69-72-70-69—280

ALSO:

T45. Sarah Kemp (NSW)           72-74-73-75—294

T58. Sarah-Jane Smith (Qld)     76-74-70-78—298

*For the full leaderboard, click here