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Caitriona Matthew lifts the Irish Open trophy. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Regal

Queen of the Castle: Matthew wins Ladies Irish Open

The Scot finished with a round of 71 to win the tournament by one stroke.

CATRIONA MATTHEW IS the 2012 Ladies Irish Open champion after she finished on -7.

The Scot led for most of the event at Killeen Castle in mEath but was caught by last year’s winner, Suzann Pettersen, by the 15th hole.

Matthew, who was playing alongside compatriot Carly Booth (level par and joint seventh place), also rattled in a birdie on 15.

Pettersen then bogeyed 17 and Matthew carded a birdie on the same hole just 20 minutes later for a two shot swing.

The 42-year-old could afford to bogey the last and still claim the Irish Open trophy. Two putts were enough to seal the win and the €52,500 first prize.

Lucky stomping ground

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Matthew. “It’s always difficult going out in the lead. I was just kind of trotting along there at seven under and saw Suzann making some birdies. I think she thought she was in The Solheim Cup again.” She added:

I made a good birdie on 15 and then the one on 17 just gave a little bit of a cushion coming up the last, which was nice. I knew I had a two shot lead and I had seen what Suzann had done on 17 and 18 so I knew she was two behind so I reckoned I could make five from there.

Pettersen was happy with her -6 showing on the final day but was left cursing her ‘silly bogey on 17′.

Laura Davies of England was third after her round of 68, which included seven birdies, left her on -3.

England’s Curtis Cup winner Charley Hull ended in a share of 18th place, taking home the Philomena Garvey trophy as the leading amateur.

Good company

Ladies Irish Open Tournament Director, Roddy Carr commented, “We are delighted that Catriona has joined the impressive list of Irish Open champions.

“The course proved a real test and the class of the Solheim stars shone through with Catriona earning a very impressive victory over Suzann Pettersen. Once again this event has proved a great success in this wonderful venue.”

On the opening day of the tournament, dubbed ‘Pink Friday’, players and spectators wore pink as part of a charity initiative with raised over €2,000 raised for Breast Cancer Ireland.

17-year-old Leona Maguire was best of the Irish but her score of +8 was not enough for her to advance to the final day’s play.

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