Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn made history on Sunday as she won the Women’s British Open thanks to a final round of 72.
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South Korean Lee Mi-rim (69), who led after the opening two days, was in second place on 202, three ahead of American Mo Martin (69). Incredibly, the average age of female major winners this year now sits at 21.5 years of age and three of the season’s first four major winners have been aged 20 or younger.
“I got off to a really good start then played ok for the next six or seven holes but couldn’t get the putts in, then had couple of bad bogeys as a result of bad swings on the par three and par five (14th and 15th)”, she observed. “After my first tournament on tour, my goal is I really want to win a major. I did, so I’m very proud of myself”.
Matthew, ranked 67th in the world, started the third round with three birdies in the first four holes. Growing up I never thought I would be at the Olympics and this is probably the only chance I am going to get in my career.
Lee, who shot a tournament-record 62 in the opening round on Thursday, was paired with Jutanugarn on Sunday and trailed by six strokes at the turn. “But after that, I’m really like ‘be patient and I can come back really good”. “That was the most important thing”. The American won the 2014 tournament at Royal Birkdale.
“It’s definitely a departure from links”, Martin said. “That’s all I had”. I gave it everything I could.. The 46-year-old, who had begun the round in fourth, briefly threatened to charge up the leaderboard after shooting two early birdies, but her flame flickered only briefly as five bogeys put an end to her hopes of a second Open victory. “I can’t wait. I’m really excited about that”.
One of the most powerful players on Tour – she didn’t use her driver during the championship – she has the ability to become a dominant figure in the women’s game. I cant wait. Im really excited about that..
Martin’s compatriot Stacy Lewis was two strokes further adrift in fourth, while Scotland’s Catriona Matthew faded after a bright start on her way to tying for fifth along with seven-time major victor Karrie Webb of Australia.
Charley Hull, the 20-year-old English star playing on her home course, had a 70 to move into a tie for 10th at 5 under.
The top-ranked Ko was tied for 27th at 3 under after a 69.
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Lewis also is a past champion, winning at St. Andrews in 2013.
