The Women’s Irish Open was won by Klara Spilkova following a three-way play-off at Clare’s Dromoland Castle. The 27-year-old Czech player defeated Nicole Broch Estrup and Ursula Wikstrom with a birdie on the par-five 18th hole.
After a thrilling final day, the trio came in at 14 under par. Leona Maguire of Ireland, who shot 68 and added a birdie on 18 when she needed an eagle to advance to the play-off, was one of four players to finish one shot down.
Multiple players arrived to the last green with a chance to take at least a share of the lead due to the crowded leaderboard. Smilla Soenderby of Denmark missed an eagle putt that would have brought her score to 15 under because she three-putted, failing to even advance to the play-off.
The three players returned to the 18th hole at the conclusion of play, and Spilkova rolled in her birdie putt to win at Dromoland Castle. The 27-year-old had shot rounds of 66 (-6), 68 (-4) and 73 (+1) over the first three days of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open.
Spilkova gained momentum after a stunning par-save from the edge of the water on hole 17 and closed the day with a birdie on hole 18, putting her in the lead in the clubhouse at the time.
Spilkova’s engagement to Sean made winning their final tournament of the year together even more memorable because they had been on the bag together all summer. Linn Grant extended her lead at the top of the standings in the 2022 Race to Costa del Sol. She now has a 202.27 point advantage over compatriot Maja Stark, with fellow Swede Johanna Gustavsson in third place on 1,885.63 points.
