Recari pips Kim to claim Kia Classic in play-off

The 25-year-old from Pamplona headed into the final round with a two-shot lead and having not dropped a shot all week at Aviara Golf Club, but three bogeys – offset by only one birdie – meant she had to settle for a two-over 74.

That allowed Kim to join her on the nine-under mark despite a back nine which featured four bogeys – including three straight from the 11th hole. She signed for a 71.

The pair could not be separated when they replayed the 18th for the first time in the play-off, both three-putting. But, on the second occasion, Recari sank an 18-foot putt for birdie to secure her second LPGA Tour title.

Recari had had a six-foot par putt to win the tournament in regulation on the 18th hole, but missed.

Thailand’s Pornanong Phat-lum (68) and American pair Mo Martin (69) and Cristie Kerr (71) all missed out by one shot after finishing eight-under. Phatlum would have been in the play-off had she not bogeyed the par-four 18th.

Australia’s Karrie Webb failed to seriously threaten for the title despite starting the day in second spot, shooting a round of 74 to finish two shots off the leaders in a tie for sixth.

Americans Jane Park (71) and Lizette Salas (72) were level with Webb on seven-under.

Rounding out the top ten was a group of four on six under, including new world No 1 one Stacy Lewis.

American Lewis signed for a one-over 73 in her final round, but did have a share of the lead when she was four-under through ten holes.

Her run-in was not up to scratch, however, as she made double-bogeys at 11 and 18 with another dropped shot at 14 to see her drop off the pace.

North Berwick’s Catriona Matthew closed with a 69 to jump more than 20 places as she finished in a tie for 24th on 287.