Ariya Jutanugarn made history on the Marquess’ Course at Woburn by becoming the first player from Thailand – male or female – to capture a Major Championship at the Ricoh Women’s British Open. Ariya Jutanugarn is a thunderous hitter and she powered her way to the top of the leaderboard with a third-round 66 in the Women’s British Open yesterday.
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The win puts an end to a haunting memory of handing the ANA Inspiration title to the Kiwi on the last hole in April.
American Martin, who parred the last 10 holes, also closed to within two shots of the lead, but Jutanugarn responded with a birdie at the 17th to move two shots clear with one to play and made par at the last to secure the title, while Lee dropped a shot to finish tied for second.
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”. Both have four wins, including a major, and the Evian Championship next month, the final major, might go a long way in determining the victor.
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.
Jutanugarn played in her first LPGA event when she was just 11 – she was the youngest ever qualifier at the Thailand LPGA Classic, and now she may be able to break through for her first major.
Lee birdied three successive holes from the 10th and when Jutanugarn had two nervy chips and double-bogeyed the 13th the advantage was down to one and it was all set for a thrilling final five holes.
At the time, she said she was “really nervous” and got a lot of experience from it.
Jutanugarn is projected to jump from sixth to third in the world rankings Monday. She first won on the Ladies European Tour as a 17-year-old rookie at the 2013 the Lalla Meryem Cup. She hopes to be ready to compete for South Korea in the Olympics.
“Feels great”, Jutanugarn said.
“I don’t look at leaderboards until we finish on Sunday”, Feng told reporters. Stacy Lewis (Arkansas Razorbacks) was fourth at 11 under after her third consecutive 70. “I can’t wait. I’m really excited about that”.
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The 41-year-old has been in vintage form all week at a venue where she says she is comfortable. 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. She’s winless in 57 starts since June 2014.
