Laura Davies cruises to victory in inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Open

WHEATON, Ill. – Laura Davies immediately recognized the significance of having her name inscribed on the first U.S. Senior Women’s Open trophy.

It might be a long time before anyone secures the title as emphatically as Davies did.

Davies went virtually unchallenged in Sunday’s final round of the inaugural USGA championship for women 50 and older, claiming the title by 10 strokes over Juli Inkster.

“It’s great seeing this (trophy) paraded down for the very first time and I get my name on it first, you know?” Davies said. “This championship will be played for many years and there will only be one first winner – obviously a proud moment for me to win that.”

The 54-year-old Davies shot a 5-under 68 to finish at 16-under 276 at Chicago Golf Club.

It was the English player’s 85th career win.

Inkster shot an even-par 73. England’s Trish Johnson also shot 73 to finish third, 12 shots back.

Danielle Ammaccapane was fourth and Yuko Saito finished fifth. Martha Leach was the top amateur, tying for 10th at 6-over 298.