Jutanugarn enjoys birdie blitz

Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn won the ASI Ladies Scottish Open by one shot to become the new world No 1.

The 22-year-old held off the challenge of Australian Minjee Lee at Gullane to claim her 10th LPGA title and third in 2018.

She hit six birdies en route to a five-under 66 in the final round, finishing on 13 under to move ahead of South Koreans Inbee Park and Sung Hyun Park in the world rankings.

“It means a lot to me, it’s like my dream come true,” the Bangkok-born player, who has also won the Kingsmill Championship and US Women’s Open this year, told lpga.com.

“I told my caddie this week, I want to win on a links course one time in my life, and I did it so (I feel) pretty good.”

Runner-up Lee remained in close pursuit of Jutanugarn throughout Sunday but was unable to make up a one-shot overnight deficit.

Lee produced a bogey-free final-round 66 and was left to rue her 71 in Saturday’s third round.

South Koreans Jin Young Ko and Haeji Kang finished tied for third on eight under, while their compatriot Amy Yang dropped to joint fifth.

Yang, who shared the overnight lead with Jutanugarn, carded a one-over 72 on the final round to finish level with Spaniard Carlota Ciganda.

England’s Bronte Law was the highest-placed British player, finishing tied for 17th on three under.