Ariya Jutanugarn etched her name in the history books on Sunday as she became the first Thai golfer to win a major when she triumphed at the Women’s British Open.
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The 20-year-old posted an even-par round Sunday at Woburn Golf Club’s Marquess course in England to finish 16-under-par for the week and edge out 2014 champion Mo Martin and Korea’s Mirim Lee.
World No 1 Lydia Ko had her best round of the championship with a three-under-par 69, although a double-bogey at the 18th rather spoiled her otherwise flawless card.
Stacy Lewis continued her recent resurgence when she finished alone in 4th position, two shots behind the pair tied for second while three-time victor Karrie Webb reversed season to date when she finished in a share of 5th place, with Ha Na Jang and Catriona Matthew.
Jutanugarn dropped her first shot of the day at the par 4, ninth hole, followed by a double bogey at the par 4, 13 hole to drop her lead to one ahead of Lee.
“I’m pretty sure I learned a lot from that because when I feel nervous I now know what to do”, she said.
‘Everything in the past was good for me because I learned, especially when I missed 10 cuts in a row, ‘ she said after a closing 72 gave her a three-stroke victory.
But true to her fighting spirit, she made five birdies from the sixth hole, coming home in 33, to ensure a handy cheque of nearly 25,000 pounds.
Minjee Lee completed her week with a 71 to finish T25 a shot further back, while tied for 70 after a 74 left her six over par in total.
“I really want to try to be like relaxed before the shot”, said Jutanugarn, in position to jump from sixth to third in the world ranking with a victory.
American Stacy Lewis was fourth at 11 under after her third straight 70. “I know how to come back”. Now, she’s the first Thai major victor.
“I think it hit a path, hit a tree and ended up 60 yards over the right-hand side so I got a bit of bad luck there”.
Asked by reporters if she sees herself as having a key role in inspiring youngsters to start taking up the game, she replied: “Yeah, I do, because I’m one of the young English players coming up.I feel like I am a major role model”.
Jutanugarn said: “I felt very comfortable today”. I’m looking forward to playing at the Olympics in Rio. The American won in 2013 at St. Andrews.
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Stephan Jaeger broke yet another Web.com Tour record Saturday in the Ellie Mae Classic, and shot a 6-under 64 in Hayward, California, to increase his lead to seven strokes. But after that, Im really like be patient and I can come back really good..
