(2021 Getty Images)
Emma Talley made a strong run up the leaderboard in the final round at the LPGA’s Volunteers of America Classic behind her best round ever on tour.
Talley blistered the Old American Golf Club course at the Colony, near Dallas, Texas, on Sunday.
The former Caldwell County High School and University of Alabama star recorded eight birdies and 10 pars for an 8-under-par 63 that was two shots better than her previous low round on the LPGA Tour. She had shot 65 three times before — one of those coming Thursday in the first round of the Volunteers of America Classic.
The 63 also tied the course record in that event.
Talley’s round moved her from a tie for 23rd entering the day as high as a tie for fourth Sunday afternoon.
She finished in a three-way tie for fourth with Ana Belac and Esther Henseleit at 12-under-par overall.
The three-time Kentucky state champion and former NCAA individual champ finished the tournament in style, birdying her last four holes — and five of her last six.
She shot a 3-under 32 on the front nine with birdies on Nos. 1, 2 and 7.
She also birdied No. 13 before finishing with the birdie run on 15-18 while shooting 31 on the back nine.
Talley hit 16 of 18 greens in regulation on Sunday and needed just 26 putts.
Jin Young Ko sank a short par putt on No. 18 to finish at 16-under, just holding off Matilda Castren, who finished at 15-under.
Gaby Lopez finished alone in third place at 14-under.
Coming up next week on the LPGA Tour, the Marathon LPGA Classic presented by Dana will be held in Sylvania, Ohio, near Toledo. Talley is in the field for that event.
