Sorenstam starts in style

World number one Annika Sorenstam began the new season in perfect fashion when she joined Liselotte Neumann in winning the Women’s’ World Cup for Sweden at Sun City in South Africa.

It was also a great day for Catriona Matthew and Janice Moodie as Scotland clinched second place – three shots behind the Swede’s seven-under-par 281 total - with the best final-round performance.

Matthew shot the best individual score with a three-under-par 69 while Moodie, with a wonderful tap-in birdie at the final hole, posted a 72.

Wales took third place after Becky Brewerton and Becky Morgan shot closing rounds of 73 and 75.

Sorenstam had a 70 and Neumann shot 77 to each earn £65,000, while Matthew and Moodie both went home with cheques for £45,500.

“It is a great way to start the year,” said Sorenstam, who has dominated women’s golf for the past five years. “This was my first visit to South Africa, and I have loved every minute.”

Neumann was probably the more solid of the Swedes on the opening two days of fourballs and foursomes, but Sorenstam came into her own in the individual round.

Just as shots seemed to be slipping away, she produced a magnificent eagle three from eight feet at the long 14th to steady the ship.

“It’s wonderful when you have the world number one as your partner,” acknowledged Neumann, herself a former US and British Open Champion. “I played really well over the first two days, and then Annika came into her own today.”

Nine shots behind Sweden at the start of the final round, Matthew, fourth with Moodie last year, was proud of Scotland’s effort.

“I thought we both played really well today and second place is pretty good,” she said. “Hopefully we can go one better next year.”

The Welsh pair were also pleased, with Morgan adding: “I would have taken third at the start of the week. We both played well all week and it’s a good result in such top-class company.”