ADELAIDE, Australia — Hawaii-based Japanese player Haru Nomura won her first LPGA tournament in her 72nd start, shooting a closing 7-under 65 on Sunday to win the Women’s Australian Open by three strokes.

Nomura, who was tied for the lead with two others going into the final round at The Grange’s West course, finished with a 16-under total of 272.

Top-ranked and defending champion Lydia Ko, who trailed by a stroke after three rounds, finished second after a 67.

Five-time champion Karrie Webb shot 71 to finish third, seven strokes behind Nomura. American Danielle Kane was tied for fourth after a 73, eight strokes behind.

Nomura, whose previous best finishes were three top 10s, had birdies on 15, 16 and 17 and five overall on the back nine before a bogey on 18.

First Published February 21, 2016, 7:17 a.m.