Matthew birdie binge nets British Open title

LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England – Catriona Matthew birdied three straight holes on the back nine Sunday to win the Women’s British Open by three strokes for her first major title.

The 39-year-old Scot, playing just 10 weeks after giving birth to her second child, held on to her overnight lead with a 1-over 71 in the final round. She finished with a 3-under total of 285.

“I’m speechless,” Matthew said. “To be honest, I didn’t play that well today but I holed good putts at the 13th and 14th which I needed. I never imagined coming back, after not playing that I could win. It hasn’t sunk in yet.”

Matthew birdied from 18 feet at 13 and from 40 feet at the next. She also made a birdie at the long 15th.

“I made a good bogey on 10 and then the three birdies,” she said. “When I made that putt on 14, I felt it was mine for the taking. I felt I’d never have a better chance and I’d better take it. Then once I hit the good tee shot at the 18th, I felt that even I could do it from there.”

Karrie Webb of Australia closed with a 4-under 68 to finish second on 288.    (AP)