wins US Women's Open

So Yeon Ryu won the U.S. Women's Open on Monday, sinking a clutch birdie on the final hole to force a playoff and beating Korean compatriot Hee Kyung Seo with another birdie on the second extra hole.

The countrywomen went to a three-hole aggregate playoff beginning at the 16th hole, when both players had pars. Ryu pounced as she drained a 10-footer for birdie and a two-stroke swing.

Ryu finished in style with another birdie at 18. Seo, 25, also bogeyed the 17th hole Sunday. She is an LPGA Tour rookie with 11 wins on the Korean Tour.

Ryu Wins U.S. Women's Open in Monday Finish

After finishing tied in regulation at 3-under 281, South Koreans So Yeon Ryu and Hee Kyung Seo went to a three-hole playoff, with the lowest aggregate score deemed the winner of the U.S. Women's Open on the East Course at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo.

After both players parred the par-3 16th, Ryu birdied the final two holes - the par-5 17 and par-4 18th - to sew up the championship, which had a Monday finish due to rain delays in all four rounds.

The win was worth $585,000; Seo took home $350,000.

Ryu was stunned after the victory. "I won the KLPGA tournament six times, but no major. With three holes to play Monday morning and a stroke behind her countrywoman, Ryu managed a crucial birdie on the 18th hole for a 69 to force the overtime session.

I hope to win this tournament, but I think I did best. "(Sunday) was tough," said the 14-time LPGA winner. Defending champion Paula Creamer shot a fourth-round 75 and was tied for 15th at 6-over 290.

Creamer enjoyed her reign and was disappointed she couldn't retain the biggest trophy in women's golf.