Ariya Jutanugarn took the Women’s British Open lead Saturday at tree-lined Woburn, almost four months after blowing a late lead in the first major championship of the year.
Advertisement
Jutanugarn’s best finish at the RICOH Women’s British Open was a T45 in 2014 and she missed the cut in 2015.
After handing the ANA Inspiration to the Kiwi in April, the Thai closed out the British Open.
Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn opened up a two-shot lead at the top after a six-under-par 66 in the third round.
This time – unlike at the ANA Inspiration – the 20-year-old Thai sensation held on, winning the Women’s British Open for her first major title.
Four-times major victor Rory McIlroy caused controversy during the men’s British Open at Royal Troon two weeks ago when he said “I didn’t get into golf to get other people in the game”. Lee had a 73. Her second-round 2-under 70 gave her a chance to continue contending for her third major trophy after she posted an atypical opener of 74.
Letting go of the pressure and focusing on having fun, Jutanugarn broke through in May at the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic for her first win on Tour.
Jutanugarn became the first major victor from Thailand. 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.
MILTON KEYNES, England (AP) – Ariya Jutanugarn was flirting with another Sunday meltdown, her six-stroke lead down to one after a double bogey on the par-4 13th at tree-lined Woburn.
She led after a first round 64 at Cordevalle in California but then took ten shots more on day two on her way to finishing tied 11th.
“I really get nervous, especially being my first time leading”, Jutanugarn said that afternoon at Rancho Mirage. With a win she would become the oldest major champion in LPGA history at 46 years, 11 months and 6 days old.
“I wasn’t putting great the first two days, but some started to fall today”, said the New Zealand 19-year-old who now holds two major titles. “After my first tournament on tour, my goal is I really want to win a major, and I did, so I’m very proud of myself”. 15 and 16. “I just tried to just keep chipping away”.
“I like this style so much”, Jutanugarn said about the course. The American won in 2013 at St. Andrews.
Top-ranked Lydia Ko was tied for 56th at even par after a 70.
Advertisement
The world number 31 made a tentative start, but settled into her stride with birdies on the fourth and seventh.
