Catriona Matthew wins Ricoh Women’s British Open

Catriona Matthew became the first Scot to win a women’s major championship with a three shot victory over Karrie Webb in the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

Matthew, who gave birth to her second baby daughter just 11 weeks ago, took a three shot lead into the final round but a shaky start saw the pack close in. But, after three bogeys on the front nine, Matthew steadied the ship with three birdies on the spin from the 13th.

“I didn’t play particularly well but I holed a good putt on the 13th and 14th and hit my best two shots on the 15th and hang on for the end.” She said.

Matthew’s sixth professional victory was an emotional one and the 39-year-old admitted to being overwhelmed by her achievement. “I really can’t believe it. I had a tear in my eye there coming up the last and I’m overcome by it all.” She said. “It was always an aim to win a major and the British Open was the one for me. You wonder if your chances are running out but I’m just absolutely delighted.”

Karrie Webb, three times a winner of this event, played a fantastic final round of 68 and roared through the field to finish alone in second place. Had it not been for a poor opening round of 77 it could well have been a fourth title for the Australian. Paula Creamer of the USA made a late charge but a double bogey at the last cost her and she ended the week in a tie for third with her countrywoman Christina Kim, Hee-Won Han of South Korea and Japan’s Ai Miyazato. Michelle Wie closed with a 69 to finish in a tie for 11th.

Ricoh Women’s British Open Royal Lytham & St Annes GC, Lancashire 30 July – 2 Aug, purse €1,645,000, par 72

1    Catriona Matthew (Sco)    74    67    71    73    285    €235,036 2    Karrie Webb (Aus)    77    71    72    68    288    €147,336 T3    Hee-Won Han (Kor)    77    73    69    70    289    €76,825 T3    Paula Creamer (USA)    74    74    70    71    289    €76,825 T3    Ai Miyazato (Jap)        75    71    70    73    289    €76,825 T3    Christina Kim (USA)    73    71    71    74    289    €76,825 7    Kristy McPherson (USA)    74    74    72    70    290    €51,918 T8    Cristie Kerr (USA)    76    71    75    69    291    €42,798 T8    Na Yeon Choi (Kor)    80    71    70    70    291    €42,798 T8    Jiyai Shin (Kor)        77    71    68    75    291    €42,798

Player scores listed in bold signifies Titleist ball usage only

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