Martin wins Women's British Open

S Pettersen (Nor), S Feng (Chn)

J Korda (US), A Stanford (US), EH Ji (Kor), J Granada (Par)

+4 L Davies (Eng);+5 S Lewis (US), C Hull (Eng);+9 G Hall (Eng);+14 L Thompson (US)

United States golfer Mo Martin was the surprise winner of the Women's British Open at Royal Birkdale.

On a high-scoring final day, the 31-year-old world number 99 hit an eagle on the 18th hole to finish one under par after a round of 72.

It is a first major title for Martin, who finished a shot clear of China's Shanshan Feng and Norway's Suzann Pettersen.

Watch Martin's amazing eagle to seal Open victory

Overnight leader Inbee Park of Korea finished fourth on one over.

Martin produced the shot of the final round with a three-wood second shot at the 472-yard 18th that hit the pin and settled six feet away.

"The 18th was the greatest shot of my life," said the new champion, whose previous best finish in a major was tied 29th at the Kraft Nabisco Championship earlier this year.

"I fell in love with Royal Birkdale from the first time I saw it."

And upon being presented with the women's Claret Jug, Martin told BBC Two: "This is absolutely amazing. I think I still need to be pinched. It's really hard to believe."

Overnight leader Inbee Park hit a double bogey on the 10th hole

Martin's 72 was the joint best score of the final round as she clawed back a three-shot deficit on four-time major winner Park.

However, Park, 26, remained in contention, despite a double bogey on the tenth, until she hit the bunker on the final hole.

The South Korean needed a birdie, but instead dropped a shot to card a 77.

Feng, who won the LPGA Championship in 2012, bogeyed the 16th and then missed a long birdie chance on the 18th to record a three-over-par 76.

Martin then looked on as her final challenger, Pettersen, hit the bunker on the 18th and then failed to chip in for the eagle she needed to force a play-off.

Defending champion and world number one Stacy Lewis, of the US, carded a six-over-par 78 to finish joint 12th.

Britain's Charley Hull started the day just three shots off the lead, but the 18-year-old could only manage a 78 to finish on five over par, six shots adrift.

"I played rubbish today to be honest," she told BBC Radio 5 live. "I learned a lot from this round."

Dame Laura Davies was the leading British player on four over par and tied for ninth. The 50-year-old said she expected to do well at the tournament she won in 1986.

Davies told BBC Radio 5 live: "I know I'm playing well and I'm not surprised I have done this this week."

View the original article here

Tweet