Press Release Body = From WorldGolf.com News Services, Golf Publisher Syndications
Suzann Pettersen became the first Norwegian to win an LPGA Tour victory Sunday, claiming the Michelob Ultra Open.
In her 82nd tour start, Pettersen defeated Jee Young Lee on the third hole of a sudden-death playoff at Kingsmill Resort & Spa in Williamsburg, Va., to become the fourth Rolex First-Time Winner of 2007. She is also the third player to automatically qualify for this fall\'s ADT Championship through the LPGA Playoffs 2007, as the Michelob Ultra Open is one of 10 designated \"Winner Events\" this season.
Morgan Pressel and Brittany Lincicome have already qualified with their victories at the Kraft Nabisco Championship and Ginn Open, respectively.
\"It feels special. I didn\'t expect to win,\" Pettersen told reporters. \"I just thought, \'If I can get out and post a number, that would be good,\' and that\'s what I tried to do. It\'s a huge step to take your first win. A lot of players say that\'s the most difficult one.\"
Pettersen, who takes home a $330,000 paycheck, started the day four strokes behind Lee but carded a bogey-free, 3-under-par final round to force a playoff with the South Korean, who tied a tournament record with an 8-under 63 in the third round.
Both golfers made par on the first playoff hole. On the second, Pettersen missed a birdie opportunity after sending her 9-iron from 106 yards to within 10 feet, and Lee made par to force a third playoff hole.
Lee ended up three-putting and Pettersen saved par for the win, which follows runner-up finishes at this year\'s Safeway International Presented by Coca-Cola and the Kraft Nabisco Championship.
\"Frankly speaking, I think I played well enough, but I think I gave it away,\" Lee told reporters.
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