Northern Ireland’s Stephanie Meadow enjoyed a “fantastic week” as she finished tied third in the Women’s PGA Championship at Baltusrol.<\/span><\/p>\n The world number 151 ended two shots behind winner Ruoning Yin after a final round where she shot a one-under 70.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n “I did my best – I laid it out there and that’s all you can do,” said the 31-year-old from County Antrim.<\/span><\/p>\n “I’m happy I gave my myself the opportunity. It’s been a great week and I am proud of myself.”<\/span><\/p>\n Meadow played in the final group on Sunday alongside friend and fellow Irish player Leona Maguire, who started with a one-shot lead but slipped to a disappointing 74 to finish joint 11th.<\/span><\/p>\n A birdie on the 17th left Meadow needing an eagle on the par-five 18th to force a play-off with Yin, but she carded a par to end on six under for the tournament.<\/span><\/p>\n Meadow’s best finish in a major came in 2014 when she was third in the US Women’s Open on her professional debut.<\/span><\/p>\n It was welcome return to being in contention for one of golf’s biggest prizes and with it a financial reward of $423,000 – her entire career earnings before Sunday were $1,054,811.<\/span><\/p>\n “It’s obviously not the outcome that either Leona or I wanted but we fought hard and did our best,” added Meadow.<\/span><\/p>\n “I know she will be right back at it and I wouldn’t be surprised if she does great in the US Open.<\/span><\/p>\n “It’s been a long time since 2014 – it’s been a long journey with lots of ups and downs, both personally and professionally.<\/span><\/p>\n “I definitely saw some better iron shots and apart from the final round I rolled the ball really well, I putt good. Overall, a combination of both is exciting.<\/span><\/p>\n “I hit some great shots to give myself some birdie looks and it was nice to make that one on 17. It’s been a fantastic week, I’ve had so much support and the cheque’s not bad either.” <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Leona](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/C396\/production\/_130207005_bunker.jpg\")
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