Amy Boulden crowned Rookie of the Year after Dubai Masters

Amy Boulden has three top-five finishes on the Ladies European Tour in 2014

Welsh golfer Amy Boulden won the Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year award after finishing in joint-24th place at the Dubai Masters.

Boulden, 21, shot a fourth round of 72 for an overall score of 285 to finish three under par.

It was enough to beat her closest rivals for the award, Nicole Larsen and Sally Watson, who were joint-fifth and joint-45th.

The tournament was won by China's Shanshan Feng, who ended 19 under par.

"I'm really thrilled. It's been a fantastic year for me," said Boulden. "To have captured that title is a great relief.

"It was one of my goals from when I turned pro, to win Rookie of the Year.

"I thought it was going to be quite tough this year not having a full card. I wasn't sure how many events I was going to be playing in but starting the year well has helped me a lot.

"It's a real honour to win and join the prestigious list of former winners, including Laura Davies, Annika Sorenstam and Charley Hull."

At the beginning of the final round, Boulden had to beat Watson's score and hope Larsen finished outside of the top three in order to clinch the rookie title.

The Llandudno-born player saw off Watson before enduring a nervous wait in the clubhouse to see Larsen end in joint-fifth place on 10 under par.

Boulden claimed her first professional title in May and also competed at the US Women's Open and the British Open this year.

Having tied for second at the French Open in October, she was already guaranteed her Tour card for next year.