Lydia Ko Ends 8-Year Major Drought with AIG Women’s Open Win

Lydia Ko ended an eight-year major championship drought with a dramatic victory at the AIG Women’s Open held at St Andrews. The New Zealand golfer, who won Olympic gold earlier this month, closed with a three-under-par 69 to finish seven under par securing her third major title. Ko’s final birdie ensured a two-shot win after a tense finish in challenging, windy conditions.

Defending champion Lilia Vu missed a crucial 15-foot birdie putt on the last hole which could have forced a play-off. Vu, who posted a 73 then missed a short putt from 12 inches ceding the victory to Ko. Vu finished tied for second alongside world number one Nelly Korda, who faded with a 72, overnight leader Jiyai Shin (74) and China’s Ruoning Yin (70).

Lydia Ko, who previously won the Evian Championship in 2015 and the Chevron Championship in 2016 had struggled to add to her major tally despite numerous top-10 finishes. Her hopes seemed uncertain as she started three shots behind Shin but made key birdies on the fourth, 10th and 14th holes. Korda, who briefly led by two strokes on the 14th, faltered with a poor performance on the par-five 14th and was unable to recover.

Ko’s crucial par save on the 16th and a superb approach to the 17th hole under worsening conditions kept her in contention. She then birdied the last hole to set the winning score of seven under par, watching as Korda and Shin faltered. Vu the final challenger missed her chance and bogeyed the last. England’s Lottie Woad the low amateur  finished one under after birdieing the last hole.

Charley Hull, who led after the first round, struggled on Sunday with bogeys and a double bogey ending with a three-over 75 to finish one over par for the tournament.