Steinhauer wins British Open

14 April 2012

American Sherri Steinhauer claimed a third Weetabix Women's British Open title with an impressive final round of even par 72 on a day of heavy showers at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

The oldest champion at the age of 43, she finished on seven-under-par 281 and was a comfortable three-shot winner over American Cristie Kerr, who double-bogeyed the last for a 71, and Sweden's former champion Sophie Gustafson.

Steinhauer equalled Australia's Karrie Webb in winning the title for a third time and she is the first to win a major using a long putter.

American Juli Inkster and Mexico's Lorena Ochoa, who both shot 73, tied for fourth on three-under-par.

Kent's Karen Stupples had a disappointing day. She set out three off the lead and in a tie for second and hoping to repeat her win at Sunningdale two years ago. But she shot 78 and slipped to joint 10th on two over par, one ahead of Laura Davies, who had a 74.

Steinhauer won the title for a first time at Lytham in 1998 and retained it the following year at Woburn. But this was the first time she had won the Championship since it earned major status in 2001.

"The fact that it is now a major is the biggest thrill," she said after collecting the £160,000 prize. "Right now, I'm on cloud nine. I was trying to stay calm all day and not think too far ahead. But this is just so special."

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