Karrie Webb
© AFP/Getty Images Jeff Gross

RANCHO MIRAGE, United States (AFP) - Australia's Webb had eagled the final hole of regulation to complete a flawless 65 that saw her erase a seven-shot deficit and pull even with overnight leader Ochoa.

"I was working so hard on trying to win again," Webb said. "I think every week I thought I could win. I don't think I ever teed it up and didn't think I couldn't win."

The Mexican's round had included four bogeys and two birdies that left her needing an eagle of her own at the last to force the playoff.

She got it, completing an even-par 72 to join Webb with a four-round total of 279.

Meanwhile teenager Michelle Wie failed to nab the birdie she needed at the final hole to join the playoff.

Wie, who started the day in second, three shots behind Ochoa, finished with a 70 for 280, sharing third place with fellow American Natalie Gulbis, who closed with her second straight 68.

Webb, who won the career Grand Slam at age 26, is the only player to win all five events that have been designated as women's majors.

Despite being on top, Webb wasn't happy.

"I realized I was taking it for granted," Webb said. "I don't know if it was because I was uncomfortable or what. I wanted to feel it again, though."

While the mind was willing, the body was not. Webb won one major from 2002 to 2005, the Women's British Open, and went on a drought of regular tournament victories as well. She won one event in 2003 and 2004 and didn't win anything last year.

Early on this season, Webb showed no indication that she was ready to make a comeback. She had played in three events and finished tied for 26th, 49th and 24th.

But the signs of Webb's emergence at this event might have been given a strong signal in the second round. Webb was at the 15th hole, 140 yards away and hit a beautiful 7-iron that went into the hole for an eagle. She ended the second round five strokes behind Lorena Ochoa.

"It's nice to be back in here," Webb said about coming into the media room on Friday. "I haven't been in here for a while."

It looked like she would be back on Saturday, but she carded a disastrous 4-over 76 that included a double-bogey and left her seven shots out of the lead going into the final round.

"I was disappointed," Webb said. "I was so mad at myself. I was like, 'Do you really want this? You've worked this hard and you're going to fall asleep now?'"

Webb thought she had shot herself out of the tournament, but focused on playing a good final round.

By the time she made the turn on Sunday, she knew she had a chance. She had shot a 3-under 33 on the front and was five shots behind.

"I know I've been here before," Webb said. "I know what it takes to win major tournaments. I knew I had that little bit of an edge."

It turned into a huge advantage when Ochoa, Wie and Gulbis could not fully take advantage of their opportunities. Webb played a bogey-free final round. Ochoa had four bogeys, three on the back. Wie had three bogeys.

"I knew if I posted a number it would be hard for them on the back nine," Webb said.

Webb punctuated it with another hole-out eagle. This one on the 18th hole and when she made the shot, she showed more emotion in five minutes than she has shown in a lifetime.

"I really, really wanted to enjoy winning again," Webb said.

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