NAPLES, Florida — Na Yeon Choi capped her outstanding 2012 LPGA campaign with a two-stroke victory over fellow South Korean So Yeon Ryu Sunday in the $1.5 million season-ending Titleholders. Choi countered a double-bogey at the third with an eagle at the par-five fifth. She added three more birdies — the last of them at the par-four 16th, for a two-under par 70 and a 72-hole total of 14-under 274. Her second victory of the year, after a triumph in the US Women's Open, was worth $500,000 and took her total prize money for the campaign to $1.9 million. “I'm really happy with how I played this season,” Choi said. “I won my first major and even this tournament is very big for me. I think I can have even bigger expectations now and think I deserve it.” Ryu, who had already locked up Rookie of the Year honors, fell out of a tie for the lead with a three-putt bogey on the par-five 14th. She settled for a 70 for 276. American Brittany Lincicome also signed for a 70 at TwinEagles for sole possession of third place on 277. Australian Karrie Webb posted a 69 for 278, with Ai Miyazato of Japan rounding out the top five after a 74 for 279. South Korean Inbee Park finished with a share of 11th place to secure the LPGA money title and the Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average. Stacy Lewis, the first US player to claim Player of the Year honors since Beth Daniel in 1994, finished equal 29th. Gainey wins Pebble Beach Tommy Gainey birdied No. 18 for a 3-under 69 and a one-stroke victory in the Pebble Beach Invitational in California Sunday. Kirk Triplett and William McGirt tied for second in the tournament that featured players from the PGA, LPGA, Champions and Web.com tours. Triplett, who was tied for the lead following the second round, closed with a 68 and McGirt shot a 69 in the final round. Gainey, who trailed leader Robert Streb by two shots at the beginning of the day, finished at 11 under 277. McGirt and Triplett, playing one group ahead of Gainey, both missed birdie attempts on 18. Annika Sorenstam, playing in a foursome that included Juli Inkster, shot a 69 and finished at 1 over. Gainey earned $60,000 of the $300,000 purse. Donald leapfrogs Tiger Luke Donald is eyeing victory at the World Tour Championship in Dubai after a comfortable win in Japan saw him leapfrog Tiger Woods into the No. 2 spot in the world rankings. The Englishman's title at the Dunlop Phoenix 2012 in southwestern Japan Sunday means he has only Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy ahead of him in top spot. Donald became the first player ever to top the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic in a single season last year, a feat matched by McIlroy this year. — Agencies
