Sophia Popov of Germany celebrats with the trophy after winning the British Open in Troon, UK, August 23, 2020. /VCG
Unheralded German Sophia Popov struck a three-under-par final round of 68 to claim her maiden major golf title at the women's British Open on Sunday, finishing two strokes clear of Thailand's Jasmine Suwannapura at Royal Troon.
Popov was a caddie for her friend Anne Van Dam at the start of the month on the LPGA Tour, after the Dutch golfer could not get her usual caddie on board when the sport resumed post-pandemic.
Popov, the world number 304, started the day with a three-shot lead but kicked off in inauspicious fashion, bogeying the first hole after landing in a bunker off the tee before bouncing back with birdies on the second and third.
The 27-year-old made another birdie on the sixth to turn in 34 and added two more on the 15th and 16th before closing with a bogey on the 18th – with victory already assured – and finished on seven-under for the tournament.
Sophia Popov of Germany was in tears after winning the British Open in Troon, UK, August 23, 2020. /VCG
"There has been a lot of struggle over the last six years and I was just glad I was able to overcome it," Popov said.
"I got here on Tuesday and I knew my game was in really good shape. I took that belief into every round but I didn't expect this. I was glad I could get it done."
Suwannapura made four back-to-back birdies on the front nine to turn in 32 and close the gap on the leader, but her hopes faded after bogeys on the 11th and 13th holes.
The Thai golfer birdied the 16th and 17th to sign for a four-under 67 and finish on five-under for the tournament, two shots clear of Australia's Minjee Lee in third.
South Korea's Inbee Park, the 2015 champion, mixed seven birdies and two bogeys for a 66 to claim fourth place, two shots behind Lee and the only other player to end the week under par.
(With input from agencies)