Women’s Scottish Open: Lauren Coughlin secures four-shot win

Lauren Coughlin secured her second LGPA Tour title in three weeks as she held on to the overnight lead for a commanding win at the Women’s Scottish Open.

The world number 26 led fellow American Megan Khang by a single stroke going into the final day at Dundonald Links and carded a three-under 69 for a four-shot victory.

Despite bogeys on the second and fourth, Coughlin recovered well to post five birdies – including three in the final five holes – to finish 15 under.

Germany’s Esther Henseleit – a silver medallist at the recent Paris Olympics – again had to settle for second, with Khang a further two strokes back alongside Ayaka Furue of Japan.

England’s Charley Hull, who began the final round three strokes adrift, finished fifth on eight under.

Having won her first LPGA Tour title at the CPKC Women’s Open in Alberta, Canada, last month, 31-year-old Coughlin has now added her second in quick succession.

The American also ensured her place on Team USA at the Solheim Cup next month in Gainesville, Virginia.

“I think if you would have told me [I would win two titles] – let alone at the beginning of this year but probably the beginning of last year – I probably wouldn’t believe you at all,” she said.

“But it’s incredible and it just shows how hard I’ve worked to get here. It’s amazing.”

On her poor start to the final round, Coughlin added: “I knew it was playing super tough and that bogeys were unavoidable. I had done a pretty awesome job the previous two rounds not making any.

“I knew that it was fine to make a couple but I could still go make some birdies coming in.”