Walker claims second top-ten finish of season

Scotland’s Kylie Walker, fifth in the Aberdeen Ladies’ Scottish Open at Archerfield two weeks ago, claimed her second top-ten finish of the season with a final round 74 at the UNIQA Ladies’ Open in Austria yesterday.

The 25-year-old had a great 67 in the second round on Saturday and she posted a four-under-par total for a share of eighth place.

Sweden’s fabulous rookie, Caroline Hedwall, finished on 12 under par and celebrated her Solheim Cup selection with a third win of the season.

Hedwall, who is one of Alison Nicholas’ captain’s wild card picks for the Solheim at Killeen Castle in Ireland later this month, closed with a fantastic 64. The 22-year-old, making her debut in the tournament, came home in 30 in a round made up seven birdies, an eagle and a solitary bogey.

Hedwall was four shots better than France’s Caroline Afonso (74), while Finland’s Kaisa Ruuttila, the second day leader, closed with a disappointing 76 and had to settle for joint third place on seven under.

England’s Melissa Reid, another looking forward to her Solheim debut on 23-25 September, bogeyed the 18th but still shot 71 and was the best of the British players in the four-way tie for third spot. Reid also tied for third in Austria last year.