Minea Blomqvist rewrites golf history at British Open
Minea Blomqvist, 19, finished eighth in the women's fourth major golf tournament of the year, the British Open, with a score of 278, ten under par. The winner of the tournament, England's Karen Stupples, finished at 19 under par.
The result is the best ever achieved by a Finn in a major tournament. The Espoo native, who is in her first season on the European Tour, also played her third round in 62 shots, the best ever result in a women's major and on the European Tour. The previous record was 63. Blomqvist posted two eagles, six birdies, and ten pars in a flawless round.
Blomqvist's task at the British Open was made significantly harder after a disastrous second day, when she carded a 6-over 78. She only barely made the cut for the last two days.
Blomqvist's professional career has begun favourably this year, and the Finn took her first European Tour victory in her last tournament before the British Open, in Hungary.
"In the top ten in a major on my first try; can anyone ask for more? Of course I started the last round with the aim of winning, that is how I am. I was focused and fighting in every situation", Blomqvist commented.
Blomqvist's earnings at the British Open totalled some 29,000 euros, and she is now fifth on the earnings list of the European Tour for this year. The Finn will play against the world's top female golfer, Swede Annika Sörenstam, today in an exhibition match at her home course in Porvoo.
Helsingin Sanomat
