WOBURN, England Ariya Jutanugarn, who likes to smile before going into her pre-shot routine, was grinning from ear-to-ear after surging two strokes clear of the field in the Ricoh Women’s British Open third round on Saturday.
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Playing partner Lee Mi-rim of South Korea (73) and American Mo Martin (70) shared second place while Stacy Lewis of the US also carded a 70 to take fourth spot on 277. Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn celebrates after sinking her putt to win the Women’s British Open during day four of the Women’s British Open at Woburn Golf Club, Woburn, England, Sunday July 31, 2016. She chipped in from 90 feet for birdie on No. 8 and made a 30-footer on 10 on the Marquess Course, the hilly, forest layout that is a big change from the usual seaside links.
But she had to see off a gutsy second half challenge from playing partner Lee Mirim from South Korea and American Mo Martin.
“This win means a lot to me”, an emotional Jutanugarn said.
A fast start helped Jutanugarn jump out in front early with three birdies through five holes to get to 13-under par and never looked back.
Jutanugarn was cruising toward the victory with a six-shot lead midway through the final round before Lee made a charge.
Ireland’s 21-year-old Leona Maguire shot a final round 75 for four-under par and won the Smyth Salver for the top amateur.
Of the other Australians Sarah Jane Smith, continues a good week and an overall good season, adding a 3rd round of 70 to be in a share of 11th position and on track for her best major championship finish.
The 20-year-old, at 16 under, is closing in on the 19-under Women’s British Open record with 18 holes to play. Jutanugarn took the Women’. “But I’m pretty sure I learned a lot from that, also, because like after I feel nervous, I know what I have to do”.
However the 46-year-old, who is bidding to become the oldest woman to win a “major” championship, has accrued more than enough wisdom in a career that saw her head to America to join the LPGA Tour before the Thai youngster was born, to know that it can as easily turn around once again in the final round.
“I think it’s just a result of all the hard work I put in and, I think, most importantly, I’m just trying to have fun”, Lee said about her improved play in the majors.
I think its no pressure for me because only thing I want to is have fun, Jutanugarn said.
New Zealand’s world number one Lydia Ko made the cut on equal par after shooting a round of 70.
“I’m really looking forward to it”, Jutanugarn said.
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Finishing with a three-under 69, Ko is tied for 27th at three-under for the tournament and thirteen shots behind the leader, Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn. “I just tried to be patient”, said the two-time major victor from New Zealand.
