CALGARY – Golf Canada in partnership with Canadian Pacific (CP) announced today the field of competitors set to challenge for the 2016 CP Women’s Open taking place August 22–28.

The 156 player field competing at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club will feature the entire top 10, 46 of the top 50 and 96 of the top 100 on the LPGA Tour’s Official Money List.

The field also includes 34 Olympians, fresh off their experience in Rio, where women are competing in Olympic golf competition for the first time since 1900.

World No. 1 and three-time champion Lydia Ko will look to defend her CP Women’s Open title against a stellar field of the LPGA’s best, including world No. 2 Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand and Canada’s own Brooke Henderson, who is currently ranked No 3. in the world.

LPGA stars Stacy Lewis, Suzann Pettersen, Anna Nordqvist, Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, Karrie Webb, Morgan Pressel, Ai Miyazato, Azahara Munoz, Brittany Lincicome, Shanshan Feng, Na Yeon Choi, Sandra Gal, Charley Hull and Jessica Korda will all challenge the world’s top-3 in Calgary.

“We are thrilled to welcome the world’s best to Calgary for the 2016 CP Women’s Open,” said Tournament Director Brent McLaughlin. “In addition to welcoming a stellar field, together with our proud partners at CP, we look forward to raising significant charitable dollars in the community through the CP Has Heart campaign supporting a very important cause.”

The Alberta Children’s Hospital is the official charity beneficiary of the 2016 CP Women’s Open. All funds raised through the tournament will support pediatric cardiac care and research at the Hospital.

The field of 156 competitors will vie for the US$2.25 million purse as the championship returns to Priddis Greens for the first time since 2009, when Norway’s Suzann Pettersen earned her second-ever LPGA Tour victory. The 2016 winner’s share is $337,500.

“The CP Women’s Open is not only set to feature arguably the strongest field on the LPGA Tour, but also the very best rising talents in Canadian and international golf,” added McLaughlin. “Golf fans are sure to be treated to an unbelievable showcase of world-class golf.”

Brooke Henderson, a three-time LPGA winner, will be joined by a strong group of Canadian talent. Among those players are fellow Olympian Alena Sharp of Hamilton, 2016 Canadian Golf Hall of Fame inductee Lorie Kane, Samantha Richdale of Kelowna, B.C., and Maude-Aimee LeBlanc of Sherbrooke, Que.

Last week, Golf Canada and CP announced that two Calgary natives, Team Canada Amateur Squad member Jaclyn Lee and newly-turned pro Jennifer Ha, would be receiving exemptions into the field.

In all, 16 Canadians are set to compete at the 2016 CP Women’s Open.
On Monday, August 22, the LPGA Tour will conduct an 18-hole stroke play qualifier at the Hamptons Golf Club in Calgary to determine the final four exemptions directly into the 2016 CP Women’s Open.

A full field list of players confirmed to compete in the 2016 CP Women’s Open is available by clicking here.

Free Admission for Juniors and First Responders…

Golf Canada and CP are proud to offer free admission to the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open to any spectator aged 17-and-under. Parents of juniors can take advantage of discounted tickets by using the promotional code JUNIOR and clicking here.

As a small token of appreciation for all the valued work they do in the communities they serve, we’ve also extended a complimentary invitation to the CP Women’s Open to all Southern Alberta First Responders and their families.

Tickets…

First conducted in 1973, Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship has allowed the brightest stars of the LPGA Tour to shine on Canadian soil and inspire the nation’s next generation of female golfers.

CALGARY (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada and Canadian Pacific (CP) are pleased to announce the names of 14 players who have received exemptions into the 2016 CP Women’s Open taking place August 22–28 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club.

Calgary natives Jaclyn Lee and Jennifer Ha will have a home crowd advantage as they compete at the 44th playing of Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship.

Lee, 19, is enjoying a stellar year on the course. The Ohio State University sophomore won the Alberta Ladies Amateur Championship, tied for third at the Women’s Porter Cup and finished as a quarter-finalist at the PNGA’s Women’s Amateur Championship.

Ha, 22, is playing her first full year as a professional. She earned her first pro win in April at a National Women’s Golf Association (NWGA) event in Florida. The Kent State graduate won another NWGA title the following month at another event in Florida.

Both Lee and Ha play out of Glencoe Golf & Country Club, which is approximately 40 kilometres north of Priddis Greens.

Naomi Ko of Victoria is also enjoying a banner year. The 19-year-old N.C. State sophomore claimed the Canadian Junior Girls Championship last week in Nova Scotia at the Links at Penn Hills. The CP Women’s Open will be the third LPGA event of 2016 for Ko. In May, she claimed medallist honours at a sectional qualifier to earn entry into the U.S. Women’s Open. A month later she won the Portland Classic Amateur Championship to earn a spot in the Portland Classic, where she would play the weekend after making the cut.

Maddie Szeryk, 20, a dual-citizen of Canada and the United States is currently ranked No. 41 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Szeryk, who plays collegiate golf for Texas A&M, will be competing in her second CP Women’s Open.

Lee, Ko and Szeryk are members of the Team Canada’s National Amateur Team, while Ha is a program alum.

Seven Canadians who primarily compete on the Symetra Tour – the LPGA’s developmental circuit – have also been granted CP Women’s Open exemptions, including Team Canada Young Pro Squad member Sue Kim of Langley, B.C.

Other Canadian Symetra Tour players granted exemptions include Jessica Wallace of Langley, B.C., Sara-Maude Juneau of Fossambault-sur-le-lac, Que., Rebecca Lee-Bentham of Toronto, Brittany Marchand of Orangeville, Ont., Jennifer Kirby of Paris, Ont. and Anne-Catherine Tanguay of Quebec City.

Hannah O’Sullivan, a former World No. 1 now ranked No. 3 in the world, will also be competing in Calgary. The 18-year-old Arizona native competed in both the 2016 U.S. and British Women’s Opens.

The 14 players earning exemptions into the CP Women’s Open will join a world-class field at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club that features the Top-3 on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings: No. 1 and three-time champion Lydia Ko; No. 2 Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand; and No. 3 Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont.

Other LPGA Tour stars confirmed to compete include international fan favourites Stacy Lewis, Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, Suzann Pettersen, Sandra Gal, Charley Hull, Stephanie Meadow and Morgan Pressel.

The Canucks receiving exemptions will join a Canadian contingent led by Henderson, Canadian Pacific ambassador Lorie Kane of Charlottetown, as well as fellow LPGA Tour players Alena Sharp of Hamilton, Maude-Aimee LeBlanc of Sherbrooke, Que., and Samantha Richdale of Kelowna, B.C.

Sharp and Henderson are representing Canada at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games from August 17-20.

In total, 16 Canadians will compete at Priddis Greens.

“The CP Women’s Open is not only set to feature arguably the strongest field on the LPGA Tour, but also the very best rising talents in Canadian and international golf,” said Canadian Pacific Women’s Open Tournament Director Brent McLaughlin. “Golf fans are sure to be treated to an unbelievable showcase of world-class golf.”

A field of 156 competitors will vie for the US$2.25 million purse when the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open makes its return to Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club for the first time since 2009 and the third time in tournament history.

On Monday, August 22, the LPGA Tour will conduct an 18-hole stroke play qualifier at The Hamptons Golf Club in Calgary to determine the final four exemptions directly into the 2016 Canadian Pacific Women’s Open.

Free Admission for Juniors…
Golf Canada and CP are proud to offer free admission to the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open to any spectator aged 17-and-under. In addition to free admission for juniors, parents can take advantage of discounted tickets by using the promotional code JUNIOR and clicking here.

Tickets…
Juniors – 17 & Under                       Free
Early Week (Mon-Wed)                 $10.50
Anyday Grounds (Thurs-Sun)     $31.50
Weekly (Mon-Sun)                            $78.75

First conducted in 1973, Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship has allowed the brightest stars of the LPGA Tour to shine on Canadian soil and inspire the nation’s next generation of female golfers.

The gentle rhythm of Smiths Falls, Ont., and its 9,000 inhabitants seem a world and more away from the stark juxtaposition of splendour and squalor that defines Rio de Janeiro.

From its teeming population of 6.5 million to the lush beaches of Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. From ocean-side caipirinhas and coconut waters to the soft sounds of bossa nova and the incessant beat of samba.

From the favelas rising like dollhouse-sized shantytowns stretching upwards in the distance. And looming above it all, often lost in the clouds, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, perched atop the mountain of Corcovado, looking benevolently down on this diverse flock, arms outstretched in all-encompassing inclusion.

“Rio,’’ says Brooke Henderson, at 18, despite the fame and accomplishment that has arrived at her doorstep, still very much the teenager from Smiths Falls, “is going to be … amazing. Being an Olympian is going to be … amazing.”

“It’s always been a dream, since I was a little girl. I didn’t know how or what sport or how I was going to do it. But I loved watching the athletes. I loved the desire, the determination, the focus that they had in their eyes.”

“I wanted to be an Olympian. Watching the Vancouver Winter Games in 2010 on TV and the way the whole country came together showed me the power and the amazement of the Olympic Games. To be a part of that will be really cool.”

In an Olympics beset by controversy and withdrawals (particularly in the re-instated sport of golf) during the lead-up, the four-player Canadian golf contingent heading to Brazil has made a pledge: They’re all in.

While Alena Sharp, Graham DeLaet and David Hearn were being officially announced at Glen Abbey Golf Club outside of Toronto, the women’s phenom was out west in Calgary, with the express purpose of checking out Priddis Greens, site of the 2016 CP Women’s Open.

Henderson is making a beeline for Calgary immediately following the Rio experience, and won’t have any time for a tour of the Priddis layout.

Out at Golf Canada Calgary Centre for a junior golf clinic on the day of the Olympic golf team celebration, Henderson’s welcome to Rio was heralded by an honour guard of young Brooke-wannabes brandishing golf clubs in lieu of swords. A television hook-up made her part of the broadcast festivities.

“There’s a lot of stuff going down in Rio right now,’’ she conceded, following a short clinic for the kids and onlookers. “Politics is kind of sketchy and the Zika virus and health concerns. But we’re just trying to make the best decision we can and take everything into consideration.”

“Everybody has their own opinions and their own reasons why they’re not playing in the Games. At the end of the day, you have to respect their opinions because health and safety is more important than just a round of golf. We’re only there for about a week. Hopefully we get in, get out and bring home that gold medal.”

When she tees it up at the brand-new Campo Olímpico de Golfe, Aug. 17-20, Canada’s newest, freshest sports personality will be among every oddsmaker’s medal picks.

That lofty status was assured after Henderson outduelled top-ranked Lydia Ko on the first hole of a playoff to snare the KMPG Women’s PGA Open at Sahalee Country Club near Seattle in mid-June, becoming the youngest-ever winner of a major championship.

On Henderson’s bag in Rio will be older sister Brittany, a pretty fair striker of the ball herself. Brittany admitted the news flashes emanating from Brazil had been initially unsettling.

“It’s been hard to see where the situation really is. You don’t know which outlets you can trust the most, so it’s hard to get truthful information. But I think we feel comfortable enough, and the Olympic Committee is doing everything it can.”

“With it being their winter down there, I think it’s going to be a little bit safer. We’ll probably wear long pants, long sleeves, for more protection. Things like that. Golf is probably more at risk than other sports because we’re going to be outside for eight hours a day. Hopefully the wind comes up. Normally we never wish for winds, but in this case …”

Routine is something taken for granted on a pro golf tour. The Olympics, however, will be an altogether different beast. There’ll be obstacles, both anticipated and unforeseen. The traffic in Rio, for instance, is going to be insane, so just getting to the course

“We’re actually going down for a training camp with Golf Canada; meet in Houston for a couple days before we fly to Rio. I think that’s going to be really important. Just figure things out.”

For the young star, having family so close at hand under an entirely alien sort of competition, under such a different spotlight, is more than welcome. It’s necessary.

Brittany and Brooke Henderson (Golf Canada/ Bernard Brault)

“It’s huge for both of us to become Olympians and to share not only in the Olympic dream together but the dream of playing on the LPGA Tour together,’’ Brooke acknowledged.

“We’re such a team out there. I couldn’t have had the nine straight Top-10 finishes this season, wouldn’t have the two wins, without her on my bag.

She works so hard for me.”

One hundred and 12 years ago, Canadian George S. Lyon won the last Olympic gold medal in golf. In a lovely bit of symmetry, he was born and lived in Richmond, Ont., 522 kilometres, or a five-hour drive, from Brooke Henderson’s hometown.

Next week, a world away from the gentle rhythm of Smiths Falls, in the jumble of splendour and squalor that symbolize Rio, and under the watchful eye of the Christo on Corcovado, Brooke Henderson goes in search of a different sort of legacy.

“Alena and I have become extremely good friends. I’m super happy that it’s her and I representing the women’s die of the team. I think we make an awesome team. Her whole game has improved. I think we have a really good chance of both of us standing on the podium, hopefully one silver and one gold. The men’s side as well, I think we have a solid team. It’s kind of surreal in a way. This is kind of like a sixth major on the LPGA tour and I already have one under my belt, so …”

And, well, she’s always been a bit of a sucker for O Canada.

“Even listening to the anthem at school used to get to me,’’ Henderson laughed. “Before I went to play at the World Amateur Championships (in Japan, two years ago), that’s what I wanted to hear. “I didn’t get that chance then. But now I’ve got another one.”

“You can’t get ahead of yourself, you have to focus on the now, but you also have to be visualize being up there, on that podium, on the top step. In your mind, you have to hear that anthem.’’

She stops, maybe humming a few bars in her head, and smiles the smile of a prodigious 18-year-old with only one aim in mind.

“And, as you know, we’ve got a great anthem.”

Calgary – AutoCanada Inc. (TSX:ACQ)  announced today their one-year partnership as an official sponsor of the 2016 Canadian Pacific Women’s Open.

This year’s Canadian Pacific Women’s Open is set to take place at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary from August 22-28, 2016.

AutoCanada, through the Courtesy Auto Group (Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and Courtesy Mitsubishi) and Hyundai Calgary Auto Group (Calgary Hyundai and Crowfoot Hyundai), will be participating on-site throughout the week and will be teaming up with CP for the CP Hole-in-One for Heart activation. Amateur golfers will have the opportunity to shoot for a hole-in-one to take home a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. In addition, Courtesy Auto Group and Hyundai Calgary Auto Group will be showcasing their multiple brands and models with vehicle displays throughout Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club.

“We are proud to sponsor the 2016 CP Women’s Open and are excited to work alongside Golf Canada at such a fantastic event,” said Tom Orysiuk, President of AutoCanada. “The Courtesy Auto Group and Hyundai Calgary Auto Group have a long-standing commitment to community investment, and partnering with CP for the Hole-in-One for Heart activation is a great opportunity to give back to community in support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital.”

The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation is the official charity beneficiary of the 2016 CP Women’s Open. All funds raised through the tournament will support pediatric cardiac care and research at the Hospital.

“We are grateful to AutoCanada for their support of women’s golf in Canada,” said Golf Canada Chief Commercial Officer Gavin Roth. “Their diverse line of quality vehicles will play a key role in ensuring our world-class field gets around Calgary during tournament week.”

They could, in time, wind up being fused forever in our collective imagination. The way Jack and Arnie were. Are.

Or Kathy Whitworth and Mickey Wright. Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. A rivalry to define a generation.

There is that chance. A very real chance. They’re both just teenagers, prodigious toddlers actually, with a big, wide world of golfing nuance yet to explore.

Ko vs. Henderson.

Has a nice ring to it. Looks absolutely smashing up in twinkling lights on a marquee.

In a strong field, Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson are destined to be front and centre at Priddis Greens outside Calgary, Aug. 25-28, when the CP Canadian Women’s Open treks back west. Different storylines for an identical aim.

Ko will be endeavouring to collect her fourth Canadian title in five years, a truly extraordinary accomplishment for anyone, yet someone so young; while Henderson looks to hunt down a first national professional championship and join only Jocelyne Bourassa way back in 1973 as a Canadian winner of our national title.

Given their ages, their abilities and their mutual approach to excellence, golf buffs are anticipating this being a must-watch for the next decade or more.

Great rivalries are healthy for sport.

And if this becomes one, they’ve got one helluva first act to build on: Henderson dropping a 7-iron out of the sky from 155 yards away to within three feet for a tap-in bird and her first LPGA Major title, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club, outside Seattle.

In coming from behind to beat the world’s consensus No. 1, Henderson identified herself as the prime contender to the title.

The best part of all this being the attitude both women bring to the course.

Rivalries need not necessarily be duelling-pistols-at-20-paces. They can also be forged on admiration, common ambition and a may-the-best-player-win attitude.

“She’s one of the nicest girls you’d ever want to meet,’’ enthuses Henderson of Ko. “She’s not out there to beat others, she’s out there to beat the golf course; to be better herself. Which I think it’s an amazing way to look at the game, at competition. I try to do the same thing.”

“Golf is about honestly, perseverance and respect, adds Henderson. “She’s a great example of that. I think it’s really cool. She’s 19. I’m going to be 19. Hopefully we do have that rivalry – if that’s what you want to call it – for the next 10 years, push each other to be better and better. That’s good for us, good for the game.”

“If we had more playoffs like KPMG … even if I was one the losing end of all of those for the next 10 years I think it’d be incredible to be at that level, at her level.”

Henderson’s sister, sometimes caddy and aspiring LPGAer, Brittany, says the atmosphere inside the ropes is no different than it seems from outside.

“Well, we hope it’s going to be like that,’’ she said, smiling. “Not so much a rivalry, exactly. But seeing them playing well week after week, in contention for tournaments. They’re friends. Both so composed. Seem mature way beyond their years.”

“Our dad, I know, was a positive influence on us, taught us about sports and being a good person in general. He deserves a lot of credit for what Brooke has done. Lydia, I think it’s her mom that helps her. So parents should get their due.”

“What both Brooke and Lydia are doing is remarkable. It really is. I don’t know how they’re doing it. I wish someone would’ve told me, let me in on the secret.”

When Ko passed through Calgary earlier in the summer the head-to-head battle at Sahalee had yet to be waged. But she had – and has, no doubt – nothing but positive things to say about Henderson.

“I’ve known Brooke since we were both amateurs,’’ said the two-time major winner. “Obviously she had a great amateur career. I feel like she’s had an even more amazing professional career. She’s doing amazing things for the up-and-coming juniors, for the women’s game and growing the game in Canada.”

“She’s doing fantastic. Putting herself in good positions week in and week out. She’s an impressive player, hits the ball a long way but is also very consistent and one of the best putters out there. So, yeah, I think it’s exciting. I think Canada is going to be very excited for the Olympics. A player like Brooke is going to grow golf in Canada the way Lorie (Kane) did.”

Both women had the opportunity to tour the 6,681-yard, par-72 layout earlier in the summer, Ko during that stopover in early June, Henderson in late July.

“I really like it,’’ adjudged Henderson. “It’s tree-lined, there’s lots of elevation change. More back to the grass I grew up on. The views are phenomenal.

I’m excited to come back here in just a few weeks and play in our national championship. I’m excited for the Canadian fans, too. Over the last couple of years, my fans at this tournament have just continued to grow and the fairways were lined last year, so I’m excited to see what this year holds.’’

The top two female players on the planet. One an adopted citizen of Canada by way of wins and support; the other the genuine article, born and reared in Smiths Falls, Ont.

It quite simply doesn’t get much better than the anticipation the Open at Priddis Greens. A rivalry to define a generation? Like Nancy Lopez and Pat Bradley? Anika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb? Tiger and Lefty?

Well, early indications are that the chance most certainly exists. And time is very much on their side.

Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson.

Their names fused together forever in the collective imagination; both linked to high achievements, low scores and the sight of the two of them walking side by side on late Sunday afternoons, the last ones on course atop the leaderboard as the sun begins to set and the shadows lengthen.

MILTON KEYNES, England – Ariya Jutanugarn won the Women’s British Open on Sunday at Woburn for her first major championship and fourth LPGA Tour victory of the year.

The 20-year-old Jutanugarn closed with an even-par 72 for a three-stroke victory over American Mo Martin and South Korea’s Mirim Lee. Jutanugarn became the first major winner from Thailand.

“I think it’s really important for me and for Thai golf, also,” Jutanugarn said. “Like my goal, I really want to win major and I did. I’m really proud of my achievement because I accomplished my goal this year.”

She will be one of the favourites at the Rio Olympics.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Jutanugarn said. “I can’t wait. I’m really excited about that.”

She finished at 16-under 272 on the Marquess Course, the hilly, forest layout that is a big change from the usual seaside layouts in the tournament rotation.

Lee closed with a bogey for a 73. She matched the tournament record Thursday with an opening 62.

“I really had fun,” Lee said. “That was the most important thing. I had fun throughout the whole thing.”

Alena Sharp of Hamilton was the top Canadian. She shot a 71 for a share of 31st place. Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., tied for 50th while Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., finished in 69th place.

Martin, the 2014 winner at Royal Birkdale, shot a 70.

“That was my heart and my soul out there,” Martin said. “That’s all I had. I gave it everything I could.”

The long-hitting Jutanugarn had a six-stroke lead over Lee at the turn, but Lee picked up five strokes on the next four holes with three birdies and Jutanugarn’s double bogey on the par-4 13th.

“On 13, I’m like, ‘Oh, what’s wrong with me,”’ Jutanugarn said. “But after that, I’m really like be patient and I can come back really good.”

Jutanugarn made a 25-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th to take a two-shot advantage to the final hole. Jutanugarn closed with a par, and Lee dropped a stroke.

Jutanugarn, the long-hitter who leaves driver out of the bag and hammers 3-wood and 2-iron off the tee, broke through four months after blowing a late lead in the first major championship of the year. In early April in the ANA Inspiration in the California desert, Jutanugarn – at the time, best known for blowing a two-stroke lead with a closing triple bogey in the 2013 LPGA Thailand – bogeyed the final three holes to hand the title to Lydia Ko.

Jutanugarn put the hard lessons to use in May, winning three straight events to become the LPGA Tour’s first Thai champion. And Saturday at Woburn, she shot a bogey-free 6-under 66 to pull two strokes ahead of Lee and break the tournament 54-hole record of 201.

Jutanugarn is projected to jump from sixth to third in the world ranking Monday. A year ago, she was 52nd.

Stacy Lewis was fourth at 11 under after her third straight 70.

The top-ranked Ko tied for 40th at 1 under after a 74.

Jutanugarn’s older sister, Moriya, had a 75 to tie for 43rd at 3 over.

WOBURN, England – Ariya Jutanugarn took the Women’s British Open lead Saturday at tree-lined Woburn, nearly four months after blowing a late lead in the first major championship of the year.

“I think I know how to play under pressure,” the 20-year-old Thai player said. “I know like what I have to focus and the only thing I have to is like focus on what is under my control.”

In early April in the ANA Inspiration in the California desert, Jutanugarn – at the time, best known for blowing a two-stroke lead with a closing triple bogey in the 2013 LPGA Thailand – bogeyed the final three holes to hand the title to Lydia Ko.

“I really get nervous, especially being my first time leading,” Jutanugarn said that afternoon at Rancho Mirage. “I got a lot of experience from this week.”

She put the hard lessons to use in May, winning three straight events to become the LPGA Tour’s first Thai champion. And Saturday, she shot a bogey-free 6-under 66 to pull two strokes ahead of Mirim Lee.

“I feel a lot more comfortable,” Jutanugarn said. “Like especially today, because I didn’t hit my iron good, but I still make some birdies.”

Hamilton’s Alena Sharp shot a 2-under for a share of 40th place, while Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., and Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., both shot 1-under.

Jutanugarn birdied six of the first 14 holes and closed with four pars to reach 16-under 200 and break the tournament 54-hole scoring record. She chipped in from 90 feet for birdie on No. 8 and made a 30-footer on 10 on the Marquess Course, the hilly, forest layout that is a big change from the usual seaside links.

Lee shot a 69. The South Korean player led after each of the first two rounds, opening with a 62 and shooting a 71 on Friday.

“Everything was OK. Just OK, not perfect,” Lee said.

Mo Martin was third at 11 under after a 69. The American won the 2014 tournament at Royal Birkdale.

Scotland’s Catriona Matthew, at 46 trying to become the oldest major champion, had a 71 to move into fourth at 10 under. She played alongside Jutanugarn.

“If she keeps playing like she keeps playing, she’s going to be tough to catch,” Matthew said. “But go out tomorrow and try to make as many birdies as I can.”

The top-ranked Ko was tied for 27th at 3 under after a 69. She closed with a double bogey after birdieing five of the previous seven holes.

“I just had a toffee. Sugar always helps the feelings,” Ko joked. “But I know that I still played solid out there. It’s not the greatest finish to finish with a bogey or a double. … I’ve just got to get over it.”

Stacy Lewis was 9 under after a 70. She won at St. Andrews in 2013.

“A little bit of a mess today,” the American said. “Just a few too many mistakes.”

Charley Hull, the English star playing on her home course, was tied for 40th at 2 under after a 75.

“I felt like I played pretty decent, just didn’t hole any putts,” Hull said.

Jutanugarn broke the 54-hole record of 201 set by Caroline Masson in 2011 at Carnoustie. The 72-hole mark is 269 by Karen Stupples in 2004 at Sunningdale.

To relax, the Thai player smiles as part of her pre-shot routine.

“I really want to try to be like relaxed before the shot,” said Jutanugarn, in position to jump from sixth to third in the world ranking with a victory. “I feel like whatever is going to make me happy and easy one is like smile.”

She hoped to be smiling late Sunday.

“I think it’s no pressure for me because only thing I want to is have fun,” Jutanugarn said. “So one more day, I want to have fun.”

WOBURN, England – Mirim Lee followed her opening 10-under 62 with a 71 on Friday in the Women’s British Open, leaving her a stroke ahead entering the weekend at tree-lined Woburn Golf Club.

A day after matching the tournament record and falling a stroke short of the major championship mark, the 25-year-old South Korean player had three birdies and two bogeys to reach 11-under 133.

“Today, the tee shot was a little bit difficult,” Lee said. “I had issues with my tee shot. I think I putted OK. I had a couple of three-putts, but I think with some practice, I can overcome my mistakes.”

Lee had two front-nine birdies, bogeyed the par-4 13th, birdied the par-5 15th and bogeyed the par-3 17th on the Marquess Course, the hilly, forest layout that is a big change from the seaside links that dominate the tournament rotation.

Three weeks ago at the U.S. Women’s Open, Lee opened with a 64, then followed with rounds of 74, 76 and 73 to tie for 11th. The two-time LPGA Tour winner missed the cut in the ANA Inspiration to start the major year, and tied for fourth in the KPMG Women’s PGA.

“I think it’s just a result of all the hard work I put in and, I think, most importantly, I’m just trying to have fun,” Lee said about her improved play in the majors. “That’s what’s making me feel comfortable.

Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn and China’s Shanshan Feng were tied for second.

Jutanugarn had a 69. She won three straight events in May.

“I like this style so much,” Jutanugarn said about the course. “I think it fits my game. I like the course. I like everything here.”

Feng shot 68.

“I really like the course,” Feng said. “Normally, my ball-striking is not bad, so I know I’m going to hit a lot of fairways and greens. It really matters if my putting is working or not. In the past two rounds, I think my putting has been really good, so I made a lot of birdies.”

South Korea’s Ha Na Jang (67) and 46-year-old Scot Catriona Matthew (65) were 9 under.

“I’ve been playing well all year,” Matthew said. “Today, I just played really well. Hit 18 greens. Gave myself a lot of chances. The putts actually dropped today.”

Jang was upset about slow play on the back nine.

“It’s like at the front nine, just play every hole, no slow play,” Jang said. “But back nine is more windy and the more times, really late. And players a little tired, so walk slow, a little slow. The play at every hole, just stop on the tee box and second shot.”

Mo Martin (68) was 8 under, and fellow American Stacy Lewis (70) followed at 7 under.

Martin won the 2014 tournament at Royal Birkdale.

“It’s definitely a departure from links,” Martin said. “Parts of it remind me of the Pacific Northwest but there are some linksy styles in there, some of the fescues, some of the bunkering. I just love it in England.”

Lewis also is a past champion, winning at St. Andrews in 2013.

“Especially making the turn, I wasn’t really in a good place,” Lewis said. “Kind of rallied on the back and made three birdies to give myself a chance this weekend. I like where I am. Usually in these things, if you can get out there and post a number, that’s usually what wins.”

Charley Hull, the 20-year-old English star playing on her home course, had a 70 to move into a tie for 10th at 5 under. She had five birdies in a six-hole stretch in the middle of the round. “I kind of holed a few putts that I wasn’t holing and I got up-and-down,” Hull said. “I was pretty happy. I just kind of dug in.”

The fast-playing Hull was put on the clock for slow play late in the round.

“It was a bit pointless, but it’s stuff that you’ve got to deal with,” Hull said.

Hamilton’s Alena Sharp leads the Canadians in the field. The Olympian recorded an even-par round and sits T15 at 4-under. Sherbrooke, Que., native Maude-Aimée Leblanc is tied for 33rd at 2-under, while Sharp’s Olympic teammate, Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., holds a share of 47th at 1-under.

Top-ranked Lydia Ko was tied for 56th at even par after a 70. She’s coming off a victory two weeks ago in Ohio, her fourth LPGA Tour win of the year. She won the ANA Inspiration in April.

Michelle Wie missed the cut with rounds of 76 and 73.

Third-ranked Inbee Park, the winner last year at Turnberry, is sidelined by a lingering left thumb injury. She hopes to be ready to compete for South Korea in the Olympics.

WOBURN, England – Mirim Lee equaled the lowest-ever round at the Women’s British Open by shooting a 10-under 62 Thursday to take the lead on the opening day.

The South Korean had 10 birdies as she secured a three-stroke advantage over Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand, who carded a bogey-free round of 65 on the Marquess Course at Woburn Golf Club.

Lee matched Minea Blomqvist’s 10-under 62 in the third round of the 2004 British Open at Sunningdale.

“It was probably one of my best ever rounds, although I still had some errant shots,” Lee said. “I played every hole in a similar fashion, hitting fairways and greens. My best ever score was an 11 under par in LPGA qualifying.”

China’sShanshan Feng completed an all-Asian top three with a 6 under 66.

English star Charley Hull, playing on her home course, birdied two of the last three holes for a share of 11th place after a 3-under 69.

Top-ranked Lydia Ko and four-time major winner Laura Davies have work to do in order to make the cut after both carded 74.

Hamilton’s Alena Sharp collected four birdies and an eagle on the par-4 12th hole en route to a 4-under 68. Sharp’s Olympic teammate and World No. 2 Brooke Henderson opened with a 71 to sit T31 alongside fellow Canadian Maude-Aimée Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que.

GURNEE, Ill. – Cristie Kerr held on for a 3-and-2 victory over Melissa Reid on Sunday to give the United States the UL International Crown.

Kerr and company were shut out in the first session of the LPGA Tour event, but they got progressively better each day. Stacy Lewis and Gerina Piller each closed out wins before Reid missed a birdie putt on 16, handing the decisive victory to Kerr.

“I think I play better when there is more pressure,” said Kerr, who was the last player to tee off for the U.S.

Lewis and Piller ran to the green for a group hug with Kerr when it was over. Kerr’s caddie, Brady Stockton, grabbed the flag at 16 to save it for his player.

Lexi Thompson lost 2 and 1 to South Korea’s So Yeon Ryu, and then joined the celebration at a muggy Merit Club about 40 miles northwest of Chicago. The Americans won a silver trophy, and each of the players took home a crown and $100,000 apiece.

Lewis, Kerr and Thompson played on the U.S. team that finished a disappointing sixth in the inaugural event in 2014 in Maryland. But Piller joined the group for an American victory in the Solheim Cup last year in Germany, and their chemistry and confidence in each other was on full display when they decided to keep the same four-ball pairings after they came up empty Thursday.

“What would it be without a little drama,” Kerr said.

Kerr and Thompson teamed for wins on Friday and Saturday, and the momentum carried over into singles. Piller cruised to a 4-and-3 victory over Taiwan’s Yani Tseng, and Lewis posted a 3-and-2 win over Japan’s Mika Miyazato.

South Korea, which was the top seed coming into the event, finished second with 12 points, one back of the United States. Taiwan and England tied for third with 11, and Japan finished fifth with eight points.

South Korea and Japan each had a long day after thunderstorms postponed the final part of the third session to Sunday. South Korea advanced to the singles matches with a pair of four-ball victories against Australia, and Japan won a three-team playoff for the final spot in the singles session.

Sei Young Kim showed no signs of fatigue in a dominant 5-and-4 victory over England’s Charley Hull, but countrywomen Amy Yang and In Gee Chun lost their matches. Japan also split its four singles matches, with Haru Nomara and Ayaka Watanabe on the winning side.

England had the lead with nine points coming into the day, but it wasn’t able to keep up its surprising play. Jodi Ewart Shadoff beat Taiwan’s Ssu-Chia Cheng 1 up for the country’s only victory of the final session.