Cristie Kerr is first player since Catriona Matthew to win in 40s

Cristie Kerr became the first player in her 40s to win on the LPGA since Catriona Matthew in 2011 as the American claimed a dramatic victory in '¨the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.

Cristie Kerr poses with the trophy after winning the Sime Darby LPGA golf tournament in Malaysia. Picture: Sadiq Asyraf/AP

Kerr, 40, holed a 35-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a closing 71 and a 15-under-par 269 total, winning by a shot from two of her compatriots, Danielle Kang and Jacqui Concolino, as well as China’s Shanshan Feng.

“To do what I do for a 
living is amazing,” said Kerr, who is the 27th player in LPGA history to record 
20 career wins.

“This tournament is a beacon for women’s health and raising awareness for breast cancer is near and dear to my heart. I’m so proud to be the champion of this tournament.”

Matthew was 42 when she won the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Mexico in 2011.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Chinese player Lin Yuxin is heading to Carnoustie next July to play in 
the 147th Open Championship.

The left-hander also earned a spot in The Masters as a reward for 
winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Royal Wellington.

Yuxin birdied the 17th hole then eagled the last to card a six-under-par 65 and finish 14-under, three ahead of compatriot Andy Zhang (67), who was rewarded with a place in The Open Qualifying Series.