Jutanugarn took the Women’…
Advertisement
World No 1 Lydia Ko shot a final day 74 and the New Zealander, holder of two of the five majors, had to settle with a rather disappointing one-under par. Ariya Jutanugarn took the Women’s British Open lead Saturday at tree-l…
Lexi Tompson of the U.S in action during day three of the Women’s British Open at Woburn Golf Club in Woburn, England, Saturday, July 30, 2016. Jutanugarn held the 54-hole lead in each of her three victories, experiences that served her well on Sunday at Woburn where she maintained her lead despite mistakes down the closing stretch.
Jutanugarn made reference to her roller coaster year in 2015 and how that has benefited her progress.
“The best cure for a double-bogey is a toffee, or sugar, any type of sugar; I love my chocolate”, she said laughing. “So I actually don’t know what the others are doing and don’t know where they are at”. I know how to be like patient.
“I would have obviously liked to see a few more go in, but I’m happy with the week”.
Her 16-under-par 200 total is a 54-hole record for the championship and she leads by two shots from South Korea’s Mirim Lee, who had led after the first round and at halfway and stayed well in touch with a 69. “Hope nobody steals it” – and hammered 2-woods and 3-woods off the tee.
“It’s in my locker”. She said: “It’s a huge achievement to become an Olympian”.
Jutanugarn became the first major victor from Thailand.
“It was hard today, I felt a little bit nervous at times”, she said after picking up the first prize of 310,838 pounds ($411,238).
“I feel a lot more comfortable”, Jutanugarn said.
Ariya, who was only 11 when she appeared in her first LPGA Tour event, started Sunday’s back nine with a four-shot lead.
Ariya was showered with water and champagne from sister Moriya and friends when she holed the final putt, and the first hug was from her Mum, Narumon.
“I think I know how to play under pressure”, said Jutanugarn. I did, so Im very proud of myself..
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. “We seemed to get paired just about every week”, said Matthew. “In the past two rounds, I think my putting has been really good, so I made a lot of birdies”.
Advertisement
She eventually managed to save par but a birdie from the Thai player saw her retake the driving seat heading into the final hole. “That was the most important thing. I had fun throughout the whole thing”.
