KIM ECLIPSES SHADOFF FOR FIRST MAJOR
SOUTH KOREA’S IK Kim held off a brilliant challenge from England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff to claim an overdue maiden Major title in the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Kingsbarns.
Kim saw her six-shot overnight lead cut in half thanks to a superb run of scoring from Shadoff (below), who followed a birdie on the second with five in a row from the sixth and another on the 13th.
The 29-year-old from Northallerton birdied the 17th to close the gap to two and parred the last to complete a 64, equalling the course record set on day one by Michelle Wie and matched by Inbee Park in the third round.
But Kim, who missed a one-foot putt to win the Kraft Nabisco Championship – now called the ANA Inspiration – in 2012, was able to par the final five holes for a closing 71 and winning total of 18 under par.
Shadoff’s runners-up finish was her best result in a Major and secured her place on Europe’s Solheim Cup team to take on the United States in Iowa from August 18-20.
“I’m so excited,” said Shadoff.
“My last Solheim in 2013 was the best experience I’ve had on a golf course so I’m looking forward to trying to take the trophy back.”
Speaking about her round, Shadoff added: “No dropped shots around here, especially in these conditions, I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
England’s Georgia Hall carded a final round of 70 to share third place with Wie and Germany’s Caroline Masson.