Total prize money USD100,000 2017 Gateway Classic having second round at State of Arizona Longbow Golf course, Liv Cheng from New Zealand and also a Taiwanese kept up to the leading group, after two holes playoffs finally defeated Mina Harigae from USA, which was her first career win and rewarded USD15,000. Since 2011, she was the next New Zealand player who won Symetra Tour.

“I can’t believe I did it, I’m very excited to win the tournament.” The prize money also elevated her ranking to 4th at Symetra Tour OOM.

Liv Cheng’s parents are Taiwanese; she was born in New Zealand. She could speak fluent Mandarin and finished university in USA; this was her 3rd year playing Symetra Tour, only one top-10 in the last 2 years.

Ching Huang had 78 today, total 7-over-par 223 and tied 52nd in the end.

Liv Cheng shot 70 with 7-under-par 209, shared the lead with Harigae who shot 72 today. The both played par in the first playoff; in second playoff, Harigae’s ball was in the obstacle area and Liv maintain her stable tempo, defeated Harigae by 8 feet par and win the trophy.

Canadian Anne-Catherine Tanguay was leading yesterday, she shot 70 total 4-under-par 210 and place 3rd.

Liv Cheng had remarkable putting which helped her to win the tournament, total 24 putts only 11 put in the last 9 holes. She had 4 birdies and 2 bogeys, only 1 birdie in the first 9 holes, along with 2 bogeys afterwards; but she never gave up to win, by accurate irons and putts, she had 3 birdies in a row from hole 13 to15. Saved par from 17 feet at hole 17, also saved par at hole 18; chased up to Harigae and win the game dramatically.

She said although her woods weren’t doing great today, she never gave up the thought of winning, she believe there’s chances to win. “Finally harvest from all my efforts.” She said.

Ching Huang still had a rough round today, 3 bogeys and 2 double bogeys but finally birdie in the last hole. Only 50% on fairway hits and greens in regulation, even though she still controlled her putts at 29.

She found her irons stabilities and accuracy need to adjust, the bogeys happened in three par-3 holes today.

This is the 3rd tournament out of USA Symetra Tour 21 tournaments; it is also the second year co-certificate between TLPGA Tour and Symetra Tour.

Symetra Tour annual OOM top 10 will receive player card to participate 2018 LPGA Tour.

Next week on Symetra Tour will be POC Med Golf Classic, from April 4-9 at Windsor Golf Club in North California.