The women’s British Open at Royal Birkdale got off to a damp start with enough rain falling to cause almost an hour’s delay.
The adverse conditions certainly did not suit the sunny temperament of Hawaiian teenager Michelle Wie, who carded a three over par 75, three bogeys and a double bogey at the 13th cancelling out earlier birdies. Korean Jeong Jang set the early pace with a round of 68 on a day that saw other top women struggle. World number one Annika Sorenstam only managed a one over par while last week’s Evian winner Paula Craemer finished well down the leader board. A relatively calm day followed with Jang extending her lead over the chasing pack, which included Swedish amateur Louise Stahle, American Cristie Kerr and a much happier Michelle Wie. Still in the hunt were defending champion Karen Stupples, Laura Davies and Sorenstam. By the final day’s play, Jang was still five shots clear with Sorenstam, Kerr, Craemer and Wie queuing up behind her. Also in contention was Wales’ Becky Brewerton following a near perfect round of 65. Jang remained in control on Sunday afternoon, recording a title winning score of 16 under par. Sweden’s Sophie Gustafson emerged from the chasing pack, her round of 67 securing second overall with Michelle Wie tying for third.
