Thai sensation passes major test
Long-hitting Jutanugarn parks river and erases memories of meltdowns
MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND— Ariya Jutanugarn was flirting with another Sunday meltdown in an LPGA major, her six-stroke lead down to one after a double bogey on the par-four 13th at tree-lined Woburn.
This time — unlike at the ANA Inspiration — the 20-year-old Thai sensation held on, winning the Women’s British Open for her first major title.
“I think everything in the past is good for me, because I learned a lot from that,” said Jutanugarn, who won three straight LPGA Tour events earlier this season. “I know how to come back. I know how to be, like, patient.”
Jutanugarn wound up with a finalround 72 and a three-stroke victory over Mo Martin and Mirim Lee. She finished at 16-under 272 on the hilly, tree-filled Marquess course — a big change from the usual seaside layouts in the British Open rotation.
Known as one of the tour’s longest hitters, Jutanugarn put away her driver — “It’s in my locker. Hope nobody steals it” — and hammered 2woods and 3-woods off the tee.
In April at the ANA Inspiration in the California desert, Jutanugarn — best known at the time for finishing with a triple bogey, at age 17, to lose the 2013 LPGA Thailand event — bogeyed the final three holes to hand the title to Lydia Ko.
“After ANA, I’m still really nervous,” Jutanugarn said, “but I’m pretty sure I learned a lot from (because) after I feel nervous, I know what I have to do. Like the last few holes, I tried to be patient and to commit to my shots.”
Jutanugarn broke through in May, running off the three straight victories and becoming the LPGA’s first Thai champion. Now, she’s the first Thai major winner.
“I think it’s really important for me — and for Thai golf,” she said. “After my first tournament on tour, my goal (was) to win a major. I did, so I’m very proud of myself.”
Jutanugarn had a six-stroke lead over Lee at the turn, but Lee picked up five strokes on the next four holes with three straight birdies and Jutanugarn’s double bogey on the 13.
“I think I got mad after that hole,” Jutanugarn said. “I’m like, ‘Oh, what’s wrong with me.’ But after that, (I was) patient.”
Hamilton’s Alena Sharp was the top Canadian, tied for 31st after a finalround 71. Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., tied for 50th.
Jutanugarn will jump from sixth to third in the world rankings Monday. A year ago, she was 52nd. She will return to Thailand briefly before competing in the Rio Olympics.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Jutanugarn said. “I can’t wait.”