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PORTLAND, Oregon – Rookie M.J. Hur shot a final round 65, the low round of the day, and won the LPGA Safeway Classic with a birdie at the 17th hole in a three-way playoff over Suzanne Pettersen and Michele Redman.

One of 21 rookies on tour this year and the latest first-time winner, Hur played her first tournament in the United States at the 2006 U.S. Women’s Open on the private course at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, just across the driving range from where she accepted the trophy and $255,000 in prize money today.

Hur, who used a new tour caddy this week, played a seven hole stretch in 7-under par and finished the day bogey free. She said she was nervous on the final three holes of regulation, particularly on her drive at No. 18 after realizing she was in the lead. However, she wasn’t nervous in the playoff because she had “nothing to lose.”

In winning, Hur brought the top American and European players back to Earth a week after the Solheim Cup. She showed that the depth of talent coming out of Korea, with 47 players on tour, seems endless. Her win over two experienced Solheim Cup veterans just a week after the event also raises questions about when Koreans will be included in major international competitions.

For Redman, a 17-year veteran, it was a strong showing and she posted her first Top 10 finish since 2007. But she may have been reminded of her epic 2002 Solheim Cup meltdown when she was 5-up on Pettersen and lost the match.

Meanwhile, Pettersen, a Nike sponsored athlete, played well but couldn’t win in the sporting goods giant’s backyard. Michelle Wie continued her strong recent play with a T-4 finish, two strokes out of the playoff. And, Northwest native Paige Mackenzie made a final round charge with a 66 for a T-8 finish.

What is your impression of the week? Impressed by the skill of some tour rookies? More Korean dominance? Or, just another underwhelming win? Tell us in comments below, and stay tuned for more photos and videos from the tournament next week.