FRANKLIN, Tenn., May 16 (UPI) -- Lorena Ochoa claimed her first LPGA Tour victory Sunday, surviving a scary finish to win the Franklin American Mortgage Championship.
A 22-year-old from Mexico, Ochoa won in her 39th career start. She birdied Nos. 14 and 16 en route to a one-stroke victory over Wendy Ward.
In the 18th fairway with a three-shot lead, Ochoa watched Ward eagle the closing hole to get within a stroke. Ochoa nearly put her second shot at the par-5 in the lake that fronts the green.
Ochoa chipped to the green and two-putted for par to close a 4-under 68. Her 72-hole total of 16-under 272 was good enough the claim the inaugural event.
Ochoa shared the lead with Ward through 13 holes. But Ward bogeyed the 14th hole and Ochoa birdied it in the following group to grab a two-stroke lead.
