Korean Ryu completes epic PGA comeback for record payday

Hae-ran Ryu has kept her chasers at bay to notch a landmark comeback victory at the mega-money Women's PGA Championship in Minnesota. Australian Karis Davidson's gallant challenge ended with a career-best tie for 12th as Ryu converted a one-stroke third-round lead into a breakthrough two-shot triumph at Hazeltine National Golf Club. The South Korean fired a final-round two-under-par 70 to prevail at 13 under to land her maiden major championship and the record $US1.95 million ($2.8 million) winner's cheque — the biggest payday in women's golf history. After opening with a 1-over 73, Ryu is the first player in 62 years to win a major from 10 shots behind after round one. The 25-year-old's decision to switch putters mid-tournament paid off as Ryu followed up with a Friday 64 and Saturday 68 to reel in runaway first-round leader Ina Yoon. Yoon retained a five-shot lead entering the weekend but ultimately had to settle for second behind her fellow Korean after also posting a final-round 70. Canadian Brooke M Henderson closed with a 72 to be equal third with Dutchwoman Dewi Weber (70) at 10 under. After winning the year's first two majors, the Chevron Championship and US Open, world No.1 Nelly Korda could only manage a Sunday 73 to share eighth at six under. And after starting the day five shots back in equal eighth, Davidson never threatened, also posting a final-round 73 to finish one stroke further back at five under as Ryu claimed the spoils. But it wasn't all plain sailing. Ryu wobbled early with three bogeys in her first five holes as Henderson briefly snared the outright lead. But the Korean rebounded brilliantly with four birdies in a mid-round stretch, draining lengthy putts on nine, 10 and 12 to wrestle back control. AAP