I.K Kim wins first major at Ricoh Women’s British Open

In-Kyung Kim led from the front all weekend to clinch her first major title at the Ricoh Women’s British Open by two shots.

Five years ago, Kim missed a one-foot putt to win the ANA Inspiration before losing in a play-off to compatriot Sun-Young Yoo – but today, she put those past demons to rest. There was no final-round drama this time around, just a solid Sunday performance that ended in a hugely deserved victory.

Kim led from the front at Kingsbarns Golf Links all weekend on her way to becoming the 2017 Ricoh Women’s British Open champion, carding a final-round one-under 71 to finish the tournament at 18-under-par. 

With two LPGA Tour victories already this season and a T9 finish at the Scottish Open last week, the 29-year-old came in to the tournament on a good run of form and seemed unphased by the tumultuous Scottish weather. 

Kim opened the tournament with a seven-under 65 to put herself one back of first round leader Michelle Wie, and backed it up with a brilliant second round 68 that helped her assume a two shot lead heading in to the weekend.

By Saturday night Kim held a six-shot lead at 17-under-par, before holding her nerve to complete a final round 71 in worsening conditions to win her first major title.

The World No.21 got off to the perfect start with a birdie to extend her lead at the top, and despite brilliant rounds from Michelle Wie and Jodi Ewart Shadoff, there was too much ground to be made up for anyone to really challenge the top of the leaderboard on Sunday.

Another birdie came on the 8th hole for Kim before an uncharacteristic missed putt dropped her back to 18-under, leaving nine-holes between her and Women’s British Open victory. Nine fairly straightforward pars made for a solid final stretch for the South Korea, completing a two-putt par on the last for victory.

“I feel quite uplifted, I have to say because I really didn’t expect to win this week. And having the lead and then going into the last round, was a great task,” said Kim. “I think I managed it quite well.”

Ewart Shadoff had the stand-out round of the day, carding an equalling course record eight-under 64 to finish solo second and secure her spot in the European Solheim Cup team.

Shadoff, who made five birdies in a row from the sixth to 10th holes and ended the day at 16-under-par, said that while she hadn’t expected to come so close to Kim, she was delighted to be playing in another Solheim Cup team. 

England’s Georgia Hall finished in a share of third place with Michelle Wie and Caroline Masson, while 19-year-old English star Sophie Lamb earned the Smyth Salver for the lowest amateur – three shots ahead of defending leading amateur Leona Maguire.