More major agony for Amy Olson as Korea's A Lim Kim wins US Women's Open

American Amy Olson was denied for a third time in her bid to land a breakthrough professional win in a major as Korea’s A Lim Kim finished with a flourish to triumph in the 75th US Women’s Open in Texas.

A Lim Kim of Korea poses with the trophy after winning the 75th US Women's Open at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas. Picture: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

In her major debut, 25-year-old Lim birdied the final three holes on the Cypress Creek Course at Champions Golf Club in Houston to pip both Olson and world No 1 Jin Young Ko by a shot.

Lim, who finished with a three-under-par total, is the seventh player to make a five-stroke comeback in the final round to win the USGA event and the first since Annika Sorenstam in 1995.

“Still can't really soak in that I'm the champion,” said Kim, who enjoyed a congratulatory FaceTime call from her idol Sorenstam afterwards.

As the final round was completed a day late after torrential wind and rain on Sunday caused the USGA to suspend play, Olson played with a heavy heart after the sudden death of her father-in-law on Saturday.

“Coming out this morning I had no idea what to expect,” said Olson, who came up short for the third time while playing in the final group at a major.

“It was just one of those things, I felt very weak and helpless the last couple days. I really believe the Lord just carried me through.”

After bogeying three of her first four holes, Olson got back on track with birdies at 5 and 6. An ensuing string of nine consecutive pars, combined with the field faltering around her, gave Olson a two-stroke lead through 12 holes.

But, at the par-3 16th, which she aced in Thursday’s first round, Olson’s tee shot rolled just off the back of the green into an awkward lie and she could not convert the up and down. She finally rammed home a long birdie putt at No. 18, with tears streaming down her face as she hugged her caddie Taneka Sandiford, to join Ko in a tie for second.

Japan’s Hinako Shibuno, looking to become the third player to win majors as their first two LPGA Tour titles after her breakthrough in the 2019 AIG Women’s Open, finished fourth after a disappointing 74 to finish.

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