Aug 2, 2009 12:38 pm US/Eastern
Matthew Wins Women's British Open By 3 Strokes
LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England (AP) ―
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Catriona Matthew holds the trophy after winning the Women's British open golf championship with a score of 4 under par at Royal Lytham and St Annes golf course in Lytham St Annes, north-west England, on August 2, 2009.
Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images
Catriona Matthew birdied three straight holes on the back nine Sunday to win the Women's British Open by three strokes for her first major title.
The 39-year-old Scot, playing just 10 weeks after giving birth to her second child, held on to her overnight lead with a 1-over 71 in the final round. She finished with a 3-under total of 285.
"I'm speechless," Matthew said. "To be honest, I didn't play that well today but I holed good putts at the 13th and 14th which I needed."
Karrie Webb of Australia closed with a 4-under 68 to finish second on 288.
There was a four-way tie for third on 289 between Paula Creamer (71), Hee-Won Han (70), Ai Miyazato (73) and Christina Kim (74).
All the main challengers faltered down the stretch.
Defending champion Jiyai Shin never threatened in the in the final round and a double bogey at the last left her with a 75 and a share of eighth place.
Creamer also dropped two shots on the 18th after driving into a grassy bunker and then sending her third shot past the green and up against the clubhouse.
"Disappointing is probably the best word," Creamer said. "I gave it a chance. I played really well. Unfortunate luck on the last hole, but I did hit it there so I can't complain too much."
Americans Cristie Kerr and Michelle Wie both had their best round of the week with a 69. Kerr shared eighth place, while Wie tied for 11th.
Wie was waiting to see if she impressed U.S. Solheim Cup team captain Beth Daniel enough to be given a wild card for the competition against Europe outside Chicago in three weeks. The team was to be announced later Sunday.
"Hopefully I put up a sign saying 'Pick me,'" Wie said. "It would be a great honor if I could play. I really want to play. I thought I played pretty well this year. I hoped the way I played today will really show that. I really want to make it."
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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