Lydia Ko fades to finish ninth in Scotland

In-form American Lauren Coughlin carded a final-round three-under-par 69 to claim victory at the Women’s Scottish Open by four strokes at Dundonald Links, Irvine.

With a 15-under 273 for the tournament, Coughlin secured her second career LPGA win in 21 days, following her maiden victory last month at the Canadian Open and sealing her spot on the United States Solheim Cup team.

Olympic gold medallist Lydia Ko went into the final round five shots off the lead and picked up an early birdie at the par three fourth hole before three straight bogeys ended her chances of a second straight tournament victory. Ko carded a three-over 74 to finish at five-under, 10 shots back from Coughlin.

The 54-hole leader, Coughlin bogeyed two of the first four holes on Sunday to open the door for compatriot Megan Khang, who was in second place and one shot back when the day began.

Khang couldn’t take advantage, however, spreading three bogeys and a birdie throughout her round to finish on 74 and fall to a tie for third place at nine under with Japan’s Ayaka Furue, who shot a 68 to sit six strokes off the lead.