American female golfer Stanford wins at Evian for maiden major title

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American Angela Stanford claimed her maiden major title at the Evian Championship on Sunday by one shot after compatriot and long-time leader Amy Olson made a double-bogey on the final hole.

The 40-year-old Stanford carded a three-under-par 68 in the final round at Evian-les-Bains in France to finish with a 12-under total of 272 for the tournament.

Olson, who had maintained a firm grip on the lead for majority of the weekend, missed a six-foot putt for bogey on the 18th to force a playoff.

The 26-year-old signed for a 74 to slip into a four-way tie for second spot alongside fellow Americans Austin Ernst, Mo Martin and Kim Sei-young of South Korea.

Amy Olson plays her third shot on the 18th hole during the final round of the Evian Championship at Evian-les-Bains, France, September 16, 2018. /VCG Photo

"I was aggressive with my putt – a little too aggressive obviously," said Olson, whose previous best finish in an LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) event was tied for seventh in 2014.

"Obviously it's really – it's disappointing to finish like that, but I had a great week. I have so many positive things to take away from it.

"I'm very pleased. This is my best finish I believe in a major, so that's always a positive."

Stanford ended her long wait for a major title, 15 years after finishing runner-up at the US Women's Open.

She has become the lone golfer from the US this year to capture a major title, and the first since Danielle Kang's triumph at the Women's PGA Championship in July 2017.

For her sixth and the biggest victory of her career, Stanford will take home 577,500 US dollars in prize money.

Angela Stanford reacts to winning the Evian Championship at Evian-les-Bains, France, September 16, 2018. /VCG Photo

It was a roller-coaster ride for Stanford, who went eagle, double-bogey, birdie from the 15th, then saw her birdie chance brush the hole at the 18th.

"You know, I know me very well and I did a bunch of stupid stuff, but deep down I'm a fighter, I'm a grinder, and I've always been that," she said.

"I'm grateful. And so happy for everybody at home, everybody that's all cheered for me and never gave up on me."

The Evian Championship is a women's professional golf tournament of the LPGA, played at the Evian Resort Golf Club at Evian-les-Bains, France. This year, the event was held between September 13 and 16.

Source(s): Reuters