Hinako Shibuno Wins Women’s British Open

Elliott Heath

The young Japanese player birdied the 72nd hole to win by a single stroke

Hinako Shibuno Wins Women's British Open
TAGS:

Hinako Shibuno Wins Women’s British Open

The final women’s Major of 2019 concluded and the relatively unknown Hinako Shibuno came out on top in her first ever pro start outside of Japan.

Shibuno’s nickname in her homeland is ‘Smiling Cinderella’ and she quickly became a fan favourite at Woburn, smiling and laughing everywhere she went.

The 20-year-old is a Japan LPGA Tour rookie and this was her first ever main LPGA Tour event – she can now become a member.

Shibuno shot a 68 (-4) on Sunday to finish at 18 under and win by a single stroke from Lizette Salas after a birdie on the last.

Shibuno reacts after holing the winning putt

She was out in one over after a double-bogey at the 3rd hole but came back in 31 with five birdies and no bogeys.

That wasn’t even the best she had played the back nine all week with two 30s.

Watch: Shibuno’s winning putt

Salas looked likely to win her maiden Major, especially when she hit it to 5ft on the 18th but her putt just lipped out on the right edge.

She must have thought that a playoff was on the cards before Shibuno rolled in an 18 footer for the title.

Last week’s Evian Championship winner and World Number One Jin Young Ko was looking to win her third Major of the season but came up two shy to finish 3rd after a 66.

“I was looking at the board all the time and I knew my position,” Shibuno said of her putt on 18.

“I was also thinking how I would celebrate,” she said, revealing she would “eat a lot of sweets.”

Shibuno has won twice already on the Japan LPGA Tour this year and ranked 46th in the world before the week.

Woburn’s own Charley Hull was the top Brit at five under and in T24th.

It could have been much better for Hull but a four over par 76 on Sunday dropped her down the leaderboard.

Bronte Law was tied with Hull at nine under after three rounds but a 78 (+6) dropped her down to T35th alongside defending champion Georgia Hall.

For all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels