Matthew wins Women’s British Open, beating Webb by 3 strokes for 1st major title

Matthew wins Women’s British Open by 3 strokes

LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England — Catriona Matthew won the Women’s British Open by three strokes on Saturday, earning her first major title just 10 weeks after she gave birth to her second child.

The 39-year-old Scot birdied three straight holes on the back nine of a 1-over 71 that left her at 3-under 285. Karrie Webb of Australia closed with a 68 to finish second.

“I’m speechless,” said Matthew, the overnight leader. “To be honest, I didn’t play that well today, but I holed good putts at the 13th and 14th, which I needed.”

Paula Creamer (71), Hee-Won Han (70), Ai Miyazato (73) and Christina Kim (74) tied for fourth place at 289.

All the main challengers faltered down the stretch.

Defending champion Jiyai Shin never threatened in the final round and a double bogey at the last left her with a 75 and a share of eighth place.

Creamer also dropped two shots on the 18th after driving into a grassy bunker and then sending her third shot past the green and up against the clubhouse.

“Disappointing is probably the best word,” Creamer said. “I gave it a chance. I played really well. Unfortunate luck on the last hole, but I did hit it there so I can’t complain too much.”

Americans Cristie Kerr and Michelle Wie both shot 69, their best round of the week. Kerr shared eighth place, while Wie tied for 11th.

Wie was waiting to see if she impressed U.S. Solheim Cup team captain Beth Daniel enough to be given a wild card for the competition against Europe outside Chicago in three weeks. The team was to be announced later Sunday.

“Hopefully I put up a sign saying ‘Pick me,’” Wie said. “It would be a great honor if I could play. I really want to play. I thought I played pretty well this year. I hoped the way I played today will really show that. I really want to make it.”