NORTHERN IRELAND’S STEPHANIE MEADOW completed a superb professional golf debut by finishing third at the US Woman’s Open at Pinehurst.
The 22-year-old from Jordanstown carded a great round of 69 to finish on +1 after four rounds. Her pursuit of round three leader Michelle Wie faltered on the front nine with seven pars and two bogeys. An eagle on 10, however, sparked a fightback and she birdied 18 to claim third for herself.
The event was won by American golf star Michelle Wie. She was the only competitor to finished under par, on -2, after signing off for a final round of 70. Compatriot Stacy Lewis shot a fantastic 66 to clinch second on even par.
Meadow, who has connections to Royal Portrush and University of Alabama, was the leading European, with Scotland’s Catriona Matthew tied for 10th.