Taylor takes Italian Open at Golf Nazionale

Amy Taylor earned a maiden Ladies European Tour title with a one-shot victory at the Ladies Italian Open.

The Englishwoman got off to a solid start on the final day at Golf Nazionale, carding birdies on the third and fourth holes and hit a further two birdies on the 14th and 16th, which left her needing a bogey at the last to wrap up the win.

Taylor shot a final-round score of 69 to finish on 10 under as she beat Spain’s Maria Hernandez by one and victory means she jumps 118 places into 21st in the LET Order of Merit standings.

“I have no words at the moment. I can’t really believe it,” Taylor said.

“Earlier this week I went to the Trevi Fountain in Rome and I did throw a coin in and wish that I would win. I didn’t tell anyone, but it came true. So Rome really is a magical place and I’m so grateful to win here.

“I felt a bit nervous before I started, but once I got on the golf course, it was just another round and I felt good.

“Luckily I got off to a good start. I had a couple of three putts which wasn’t ideal but had a few tap-in birdies which really helped me.”

Kildare’s Lauren Walsh failed to make the cut, while Armagh’s Olivia Mehaffey withdrew from the tournament after a first round of 87.