UNHERALDED American golfer Mo Martin produced two of the best shots of her life to storm through the field and win the 2014 Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Birkdale.
Standing on the 18th tee two shots behind the leaders, the diminutive 31 year-old Californian hit a 240-yard drive straight down the middle and then a full 3-wood which ricocheted off the pin, setting up an 6-foot eagle putt which she holed for a level par 72 and a one under par aggregate of 287.
Some 75 minutes later the rest of the field finished without a better score, handing Martin a one stroke victory over China’s Shanshan Feng (75) and Norway’s Suzann Pettersen (75).
Third round leader, Inbee Park, also battled to the end but a bogey on the last hole saw the Korean close with a 77, alone in 4th spot two shots behind the surprise winner.
“I think I still need to be pinched,” admitted Martin, who went into the event ranked world No.99.
Australia’s best was Nikki Campbell (76) who finished on 10-over tied for 38th. Sarah Kemp, the only other Aussie to make the cut, joined the overall scoring blowout on a difficult final day and finished on 15-over tied for 58th.
Women’s British Open Results