How Anna Nordqvist Won The 2021 Women's Open

SWEDEN’S Anna Nordqvist claimed her third major title at the Women’s Open at Carnoustie 12 months ago.

The Swede closed with an excellent three-under-par 69 for a 12-under-par total and a one-shot victory..

Nordqvist was level with Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen on the closing hole and her par at the brutal finishing hole turned out to be good enough as Koerstz Madsen finished with a double bogey.

Nordqvist, who won the Women’s PGA Championship in 2009 and the Evian Championship in 2017, celebrated with her husband, Kevin McAlpine, from nearby Dundee.

England’s Georgia Hall, the 2018 champion, Lizette Salas from the USA and another Swede, Madelene Sagstrom, all finished tied second on 11-under-par. Koerstz Madsen had to settle for a share of fifth place with Minjee Lee from Australia on 10-under-par.

Nordqvist set up her victory with three birdies in four holes from the sixth before a key par-three save at the testing 16th.

A host of challengers mounted their bid on a star-studded leaderboard during a dramatic final day, most notably Hall who eagled the sixth and 12th holes in her 67. Salas, the runner-up in 2019, also had a chance on the 18th to reach 12-under-par but just missed.

It was Nordqvist’s day, as she claimed the winner's cheque of $870,000 as part of the largest prize fund in women’s major championship golf.

With the fans enjoying glorious weather, home hope Louise Duncan claimed the prestigious Smyth Salver for leading amateur.

Ahead of her Curtis Cup debut at Conwy in Wales, the Scot raised hopes of a title challenge after making a birdie on the first to sit one off the lead. In the end, the 21-year-old had to settle for a level-par round of 72 and a tie for 10th place on seven-under-par, which secured her return for the 2022 AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield.

Duncan joined an impressive roll of honor to claim the Smyth Salver, including Major champions Michelle Wie West (2005), Nordqvist (2008), Danielle Kang (2011), Lydia Ko (2012, 2013) and Hall (2013).