Leona Maguire finishes as top amateur

Leona Maguire added to her large collection of silverware yesterday when she was the top amateur at the Ricoh Womens British Championship at Woburn in Bedfordshire.

The 21-year-old from Slieve Russell in Cavan had every reason to be proud of her performance in the 72-hole Major despite slipping in her final round — the only time she ended over par.

But her aggregate four under 284 — left her six strokes ahead of the next best amateur Curtis Cup colleague Bronte Law to pick up the coveted Smith Salver. In joint 25th overall, she left a whole host of world stars trailing.

“I had a great week. It was fantastic playing with so many top pros and I had a lot of fun. I enjoyed every minute of it,” said Maguire who now heads to the Olympics in Rio.

The Championship was won by Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugam with a score of 272 — 16 under par — three clear of American Mo Martin and Korean Mirim Lee.

Jutanugarn, who blew a golden chance to win the first major of the year at the ANA Inspiration in California in April when bogeying the final three holes, carded a final-round level-par 72 to finish 16 under for the tournament at Woburn’s Marquess course.

Jutanugarn told BBC Sport: “For me it was hard today. I felt a little bit nervous at times. My mother cried at the end.

“I think this victory is really important for me and Thai golf.”