Portugal Colonial - Americans Kim and Wilson team up to win LPGA Dow pairs event

The US duo were one off the lead after Saturday's alternate-shot third round and combined for an eagle and six birdies in the best ball (four-ball) final round to leapfrog overnight leaders Choi Hye-jin and Kim Hyo-joo for a two-stroke triumph.

Kim and Wilson finished on 17-under 263 while South Korea's Choi and Kim Hyo-joo posted a five-under 65 for 265.

"Oh my gosh, this has been the most fun week," said Gina Kim, who holed out for eagle at the par-four fifth where the duo seized the lead.

"I was not expecting it.

"I knew I hit a really good shot and I was thinking 'Oh, OK, maybe I'll tap it in for birdie and then it just disappeared. I think that really set the tone for the day."

They were up by three through 17 holes, Choi and Kim Hyo-Joo cutting the deficit on Kim's birdie at the last.

"This is a life-changer," said Gina Kim, like Wilson a graduate of the developmental Epson Tour. "I came off three straight missed cuts, so this is definitely changing the trajectory."

The victory had Wilson, in her first LPGA season, looking ahead with relish to three major championships over the next five weeks.

"This is definitely building momentum," she said. "I think we're both very excited."

World number one Nelly Korda, coming off her second straight major title at the US Women's Open, was two back through 36 holes with teammate Olivia Cowan.

But after struggling Saturday they came into the final round six adrift, closing with a four-under 66 that left them nine back and tied for 17th.

C.Cassis--PC