Korean fights back to win Ricoh Women’s British Open
Korea’s In-Kyung Kim braved the elements in Scotland to seize her first Major title with an impressive 18-under par victory in the Ricoh Women’s British Open (3-6 August).
Inspired by the scenery at the Kingsbarns Links near St Andrews, the 29-year old from Seoul teed-off on Sunday with a comfortable six-stroke lead. Indeed, her 54-hole tally of 17-under par (65,68,66) set a new women’s course record. The stage was set for a scintillating Sunday.
An early starter, England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff, then stormed into the clubhouse with a sensational final round of 8-under par 64 to equal the women’s course record and get within two strokes of Kim.
Mental battle
The player from Seoul made a steady start with two birdies in the first eight holes, but then a three-putt at the 9th seemed to take the wind out of her sails. Perhaps the demons of 2012 were returning to haunt her? It was five years ago that the then 24-year old rising star missed a 14-inch putt in the Kraft Nabisco Championship for victory and then lost in the play-off of the Major. Since then she has had to work hard on her game, both mentally and physically, often battling with depression.
The year 2017 looks destined to be the start of a new era for Kim. In Scotland, the week before the Women’s British, Kim closed-out the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open with a classy round of 67 to get herself into a share of 9th spot. It was a good omen which set her up mentally strong for the next all-important Major.
All she needed to do in the British Open at Kingsbarns on the back nine was to steady the ship. And she did, cruising home safely with nine straight pars to win the championship by two strokes.
“I think it’s quite an experience. I really – not only because I play well, but I think the scenery is amazing here!
In-Kyung Kim inspired by Scotland
England’s Georgia Hall also enjoyed Scotland. With her tie for third place on 13-under with Michelle Wie and Caroline Masson, the 21-year old from Bournemouth has secured herself a spot in next week’s Solheim Cup team.
Kim has won twice previously on the Ladies European Tour: the ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters in 2014 and 2016. Victory in the Ricoh Women’s British Open has earned her a handsome 431,179 euros which takes her career earnings to just over 680,000 euros. She is now the best-ranked female golfer in Europe and 9th in the world. Now that must give her an enormous confidence boost.
Many congratulations to you, In-Kyung Kim!
Wendy Hoad
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PICTURED: The 2017 British Women’s Open Champion, In-Kyung Kim from Korea.