Stupples wins first major

Karen Stupples has become just the third English woman to win a major golf championship at the Weetabix British Women's Open

15:55 02 August 2004

Karen Stupples provided the ultimate rags to riches story yesterday when she became just the third English woman to win a major golf championship at the Weetabix British Women's Open at Sunningdale.

Stupples was almost broke after turning pro in 1999, but the 160,000 prize for winning the Open has established her as a new star of women's golf.

"After all I've been through, it shows you should never give up. You should always keep fighting for your dreams," said the Florida-based 31-year-old.

Stupples, a full-time member of the American LPGA Tour, says she plans to join the Ladies European Tour next year as an international member.

She is coached at the Nick Faldo Institute in Orlando and is developing her strength and fitness with the trainer of fellow womens golfer Annika Sorenstam.

Her victory at Sunningdale may finally have provided British golf with someone to take on the mantle of Laura Davies and Trish Johnson.

Davies, who has four major titles but never won the British title, said: "Every time I play with her she impresses me. She's the real thing, definitely."

Stupples has now focused her attention on making the Solheim Cup team.