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Azahara Munoz retains Costa del Sol title on home course

Azahara Munoz won her first tournament at Real Club de Golf Guadalmina aged nine. Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Spain's Azahara Munoz took full advantage of local knowledge to retain her title in the Andalucia Costa del Sol Open de Espana Femenino at her home course.

The 29-year-old, who won her first tournament at Real Club de Golf Guadalmina aged nine, carded a closing 69 to finish 19 under par, two shots ahead of compatriot Carlota Ciganda and South Africa's Lee-Anne Pace.

"I couldn't be any happier, defending my title on my home course and where I grew up," said Munoz, who celebrated -- as promised -- by jumping into the club's swimming pool.

"It's been an amazing week and all the fans were here supporting me, so I'm happy I did it for them. Today on the back nine I made some amazing up and downs, so that was definitely the key."

England's Georgia Hall finished three shots off the lead in fourth after a final round of 69.

"I had quite a poor weekend really and didn't play that well, but fourth's fourth," the 21-year-old said.

"I wanted to try and win this week really and I putted quite well, but my pitching has been my weakness so I'll work on that for the next event."