BARRINGTON, R.I. (AP) — Danielle Kang became the first player in 15 years to successfully defend the U.S. Women’s Amateur title, beating Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn 6 and 5 on Sunday in the 36-hole final.
Kang, the 18-year-old Pepperdine star from Westlake Village, Calif., had a 4-up lead after 18 holes and finished off Jutanugarn with a par on the par-4 13th at Rhode Island Country Club.
Kang won last year at Charlotte Country Club in North Carolina. Kelli Kuehne was the last player to win two straight years, accomplishing the feat in 1995-96.
The 17-year-old Jutanugarn was the low amateur last month in the U.S. Women’s Open.
