Tseng makes history at Carnoustie

22-year-old becomes youngest player in history to reach five majors

Record-breaker: Yani Tseng defended her Women’s British Open title at Carnoustie

Women’s world No.1, Yani Tseng won her fifth major championship in the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Carnoustie yesterday, vindicating her position at the summit of women’s golf.

The 22-year-old from Chinese Taipei became the youngest player in history, male or female, to win five major championships, eclipsing Tiger Woods who was 24 when he won the fifth of his 14 majors at the 2000 PGA Championship.

Two shots behind going into the final round, Tseng sank six birdies as she posted a three-under-par round of 69 to finish 16-under, ahead of the United States’ Brittany Lang.

Tseng’s win made it four victories from eight appearances in majors over the past two years and she also became only the third woman to successfully defend the title that she won 12 months previously at Royal Birkdale.

“It feels really good,” said Tseng, who earned a first prize of £239,047. “I played so consistently today and I enjoyed the crowd here. It’s so great making history on this golf course and I feel wonderful right now. It’s my honour to win the British Open again.”

Scotland’s Catriona Matthew, the 2009 champion, finished in a tie for fifth on nine-under, after a double bogey on the final hole ended the home favourite’s title tilt.

“I missed a couple on 14 and 17 and then obviously a disappointing finish, but Yani has played well,” said Matthew, who is confirmed to play in the Aberdeen Ladies Scottish Open at the end of the month. “I hit a good shot into 16 but missed the putt and 17 is a good eagle chance, but you just never know. The crowds have been fantastic. It was nice to play in Scotland because you don’t get the chance too often.”

American Lang fired a 67 to finish second, while a huge roar went up around the 18^th green as Swede Sophie Gustafson made a final-hole birdie for a 68 and outright third place.

Korean Amy Yang ended 10-under in fourth, while the third round leader, Caroline Masson of Germany, struggled to a 78, 10 strokes worse than her score the previous day.

However, with her winnings of €71,546.79, Masson moved to second on the Henderson Money List behind the Evian Masters champion, Ai Miyazato.

Next year the Ricoh Women’s British Open visits Royal Liverpool.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered