AMERICA’S Stacy Lewis closed with two birdies to secure the 2013 Ricoh Women’s British Open and end the major winning streak by Asian lady golfers.
Lewis shot a final round even par 72 on The Old Course at St Andrews to finish on 8-under, two ahead of South Korea’s Hee Young Park (73) and Na Yeon Choi (73).
Australia’s best was Katherine Hull-Kirk (74) who finished on 3-over tied for 22nd. Karrie Webb missed the cut.
It was the second major for the 28 year old Lewis and her eighth LPGA career title.
“I felt so comfortable out there, I almost felt like it was meant to be,” said Lewis, who ended a run of 10 women’s major championships won by Asian players. She was also the last non-Asian player to win a major when she took out the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2011.
Lewis is an inspiration to many, having worn a back brace for seven and a half years from the age of 11 to 18 in order to correct a curvature in her spine caused by scoliosis. During high school she also underwent surgery to insert a rod and five screws into her back and it still troubles her at times.
Lewis said her love for St Andrews had been a big factor in her success.
“When we came here for the Curtis Cup, we got here in the morning and in was raining sideways but we all put on Jane jackets and rain gear and just walked around,” she recalled.
“Instantly I just fell in love with it. I think it’s more the history of it than anything, just knowing all the great champions have played here. I mean, golf was started here. “I love this golf course more than any other links course I’ve played.”
Third round leader Morgan Pressel of the USA tied for fourth place with Norwegian Suzann Pettersen on five-under-par.
Inbee Park’s bid for the fourth leg of an historical Grand Slam came to an end when she closed with rounds of 74 and 78 for a six over par total of 294.
“It was a tough day today,” admitted the World No. 1. “I really got off to a bad start when I 4-putted the 1st hole.
“I’m just glad the tournament is over because I’ve gone through four rounds under pressure. Everybody has been watching me. It feels a bit weird because I get to do an interview when I shot 6-over par today.
“It’s a bit of a relief it’s over,” she continued. “It’s something I’ve never experienced before. It’s been a great experience. I might not have won this week but I’ve learned a lot.”
2013 Women’s British Open Final Results
2013 Women’s British Open Leaderboard