MILTON KEYNES, England -- Hinako Shibuno made a stunning debut in her first golf major on Sunday, winning the Women's British Open by one stroke with a four-under 68 in the final round.
Shibuno, who started the final round with a two-stroke lead over American Lizette Salas, made seven birdies, one bogey and one double bogey to finish at 18-under 270 and clinch the title in her first tournament overseas. Salas was second at 271.
The 20-year-old Shibuno's victory came 42 years after Hisako Higuchi became the only other Japanese to win a women's major when she captured the U.S. LPGA Championship in 1977.
Shibuno, an Okayama native who turned pro in July last year, has won two titles this season in the Japan LPGA tour.
"I'm happy beyond words," Shibuno said. "This is the greatest trophy I've ever received."
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
