Catriona Matthew wins LPGA Tour's Scandinavian TPC Hosted by Annika Sorenstam

From WorldGolf.com News Services

Catriona Matthew shot a final round 4-under-par 68 Sunday for a three-stroke victory at the Scandinavian TPC Hosted by Annika Sorenstam.

The 37-year-old Scottish golfer, who finished the tournament at 9-under 279, defeated Sophie Gustafson and Laura Diaz for her first LPGA Tour title since the Wendy's Championship for Children in 2004. It is her fifth career victory.

"I'm absolutely delighted," Matthew told reporters. "I struggled a bit at the turn, but the birdies on 12 and 13 helped to settle me down."

Playing in only her 14th event of the year after returning from maternity leave in March, Matthew surged to a commanding lead after birdying the first five holes to go five up on the field in the final round.

Bogeys on the sixth and 10th holes, however, dropped Matthew to within one shot of second-day leader Diaz, who made three consecutive birdies from the ninth hole.

But Matthew went up four strokes with back-to-back birdies on the 12th and 13th holes, and neither Diaz nor Gustafson, both of whom finished with 68s, could catch her.

Matthew began the day at 5-under-par, tied for the lead with 2007 Ginn Open champion Brittany Lincicome, who ended up finishing eighth. Maria Hjorth and Suzann Pettersen, winner of the McDonald's LPGA Championship, finished third.

Tournament namesake Annika Sorenstam closed with a 68 to finish in ninth place after a difficult week of play.

"Today was a little different in many ways," Sorenstam told the media. "I was able to hit some fairways and when you hit fairways you get birdie opportunities, and I hit a few. A few putts make quite a difference."

After her win, Matthew paid tribute to Sorenstam, calling her "the best golfer ever."

"To play in a tournament hosted by Annika is just fantastic," Matthew told reporters.

August 13, 2007