But after she’d bogeyed the last three holes to hand the year’s first major to Lydia Ko at the ANA Inspiration, there were more than a few jitters when she doubled the 13 and fell within one of Mirim Lee.
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“I think everything in the past is good for me, because I learned a lot from that”, said Jutanugarn, who won three straight LPGA Tour events earlier this season. I think this victory is really important for me and Thai golf.
Perhaps better prepared as a result of that horror final stretch at Mission Hills, Jutanugarn steeled herself and birdied the 17th to seal the deal, eventually winning by three over former victor Mo Martin and the young lady who had been in contention for so long in the event, Mirim Lee.
The 20-year-old from Thailand shot even-par 72 in the final round and finished at 16-under 272 on the Marquess Course.
Jutanugarn, the long-hitter who left her driver out of the bag Its in my locker.
A lot can happen in 12 months of top-level sport – just ask Ricoh Women’s British Open champion Ariya Jutanugarn. Now, she’s the first Thai major champion.
“I think this is very important for me and for Thai golf. I’m really proud of my achievement because I accomplished my goal this year”.
The long-hitting Jutanugarn had a six-stroke lead over Lee at the turn, but Lee picked up five strokes on the next four holes with three birdies and Jutanugarns double bogey on the par-4 13th. “I felt a little bit nervous but after that hole I didn’t feel like that”. “I’m like, ‘Oh, what’s wrong with me.’ But after that, (I was) patient”.
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.
She matched the tournament record Thursday with an opening 62.
Sarah Jane Smith finished as the next best of the Australians in a share of 17th and Minjee Lee tied for 25th.
A first prize of £310,838 edges her closer to Ko at the top of the LPGA’s Race to CME Globe money list, while her maiden major victory is projected to move her to third place on the Rolex Ranking behind only Ko and Canada’s Brooke Henderson. A year ago, she was 52nd.
Having accomplished her dream of winning a major title, Jutanugarn will head to the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro full of confidence and with the belief that winning a gold medal will definitely be more of a reality than a dream.
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“The only thing I have to do is focus on what is under my control”, said the world No. 6. Austin Cook (Jonesboro, Arkansas Razorbacks) tied for 36th at 9 under, good enough for $2,660, while Sebastian Cappelen (Razorbacks) was two strokes behind that in a tie for 49th and won $1,725.
