Kim cruises to Masters win

Korea’s IK Kim cruised to victory in the ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters at Buckinghamshire Golf Club yesterday.

Kim took a four-shot lead into the final round and was never in danger of being caught, firing four birdies in her first eight holes on the way to a closing 68.

At 18 under par, Kim finished five ahead of Australian Nikki Campbell, with Ireland’s Stephanie Meadow charging through the field to finish joint third on 11 under alongside Lee-Anne Pace and Caroline Masson with a 63 which equalled the course record set by Kim on Saturday.

Meadow, who carded nine birdies and no bogeys, also finished third on her professional debut in the US Open at Pinehurst last month.

“It’s great to win the tournament, it’s my first time playing this championship so I am really honoured to win,” Kim said.

“I feel like I have been hitting the ball really well and putting well so I just had to go out there and enjoy myself.

“I was really comfortable with my game, it’s the first time I have trusted my game this much.

“It was very hard not to think about winning on the back nine but I think I did well.”