Laura Davies of England kisses the U.S Senior Women's Open golf tournament trophy at the Chicago Golf Club, Sunday, July 15, 2018, in Wheaton, Ill. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Laura Davies of England kisses the U.S Senior Women's Open golf tournament trophy at the Chicago Golf Club, Sunday, July 15, 2018, in Wheaton, Ill. (AP Photo/Annie Rice) Credit: Annie Rice

Wheaton, Ill. — Laura Davies immediately recognized the significance of having her name inscribed on the first U.S. Senior Women’s Open trophy.

It might be a long time before anyone secures the title as emphatically as Davies did.

Davies went virtually unchallenged in Sunday’s final round of the inaugural USGA championship for women ages 50 and older, claiming the title by 10 strokes over Juli Inkster.

“It’s great seeing this (trophy) paraded down for the very first time and I get my name on it first, you know?” Davies said. “This championship will be played for many years, and there will only be one first winner — obviously a proud moment for me to win that.”

The 54-year-old Davies shot a 5-under 68 to finish at 16-under 276 at Chicago Golf Club.

It was the English player’s 85th career win.

A 7-under 66 on Saturday provided Davies with a five-shot lead over Inkster and what she said would be a sleepless night worrying about the pressure.

The World Golf Hall of Famer widened her advantage early on Sunday when she birdied the par-5 second hole and Inkster made bogey. Davies said a par she salvaged at the 10th was another turning point.

Kim Wins Deere Classic

Silvis, Ill. — Michael Kim shot a final-round 66 on Sunday to win the John Deere Classic by a record-setting eight strokes and pick up his first victory on the PGA Tour.

Kim, who turned 25 on Saturday, finished at 27-under 257 — breaking Steve Stricker’s tournament record from 2010 by one shot. He also qualified for next week’s British Open at Carnoustie.

Bronson Burgoon, Francesco Molinari, Joel Dahmen and Sam Ryder all finished at 19 under.

Debut Victory For Suwannapura

Sylvania, Ohio — Thidapa Suwannapura won her first LPGA Tour event on Sunday, closing with a 6-under 65 and birdieing the first playoff hole to defeat Brittany Lincicome at the Marathon Classic.

The 25-year-old Thai player is the sixth first-time winner on tour this year. Her previous best finish in 120 starts was seventh at the 2014 Kingsmill Championship.

Suwannapura picked up three strokes over her final two holes, making eagle on the par-5 17th and closing with a birdie on the par-5 18th at Highland Meadows to finish at 14-under 270.

Singh Prevails in Playoff

Highland Park, Ill. — Vijay Singh birdied the second playoff hole to beat Jeff Maggert and win the Constellation Senior Players Championship on Sunday.

Singh knocked in a putt from about 2 feet after a nearly perfect approach on the 18th hole at Exmoor Country Club. He gave an understated fist pump as the ball fell in, giving him his first major title on the PGA Tour Champions.

Singh (67) and Maggert (68) finished at 20-under 268.

Brandt Jobe (66) was two strokes behind, while Jerry Kelly (64) and defending champion Scott McCarron (71) finished at 17 under.

Maggert had chances to win in regulation and on the first playoff hole but missed birdie putts both times.