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Sarah Jane Smith will leave Shoal Creek and the 73rd US Womens Open wondering what could have been after a disappointing weekend, but once the dust settles the 33-year-old can feel proud about the way that she handled herself on the weekend and can celebrate her best ever major championship finish.

The Queenslander had taken a 3 shot-lead into the weekend and just couldn`t get find her rhythm shooting 74 on Saturday and 78 in the final round to finish in a tie for 5th place, earning her a cheque for just over US$182,000 dollars, the biggest payday in her 13 seasons as a professional.

Overnight leader Ariya Jutanagarn took the title in dramatic fashion after leading at one stage by 7 shots, winning at the fourth playoff hole against Korean Hyo-Joo Kim. 

Su Oh finished in a tie for 17th place, while Minjee Lee finished in a tie for 34th.