Lee Jeong-hwa wins inaugural Hong Kong Ladies Golf Open
The 20-year-old South Korean closes with a steady 71 to claim the US$18,000 first prize
South Korea's Lee Jeong-hwa held her nerve in the searing heat at Fanling to capture the inaugural Hong Kong Ladies Open with a gutsy final-round performance.
The 20-year-old from Busan, who held a share of the overnight lead alongside Taiwan's Chen Yu-ju, closed with a 71 for a three-under-par total, one shot ahead of playing partner Chen and the fast-finishing Kanphantitnan Muangkhumsakul, of Thailand, for her maiden professional title.
"I am so excited, it's an amazing feeling to win for the first time," said Lee, who left the Hong Kong Golf Club with a cheque for US$18,000.
"Before this week I was only looking for a top 10, but I managed to win the tournament. It's a wonderful surprise."
I am so excited, it's an amazing feeling to win for the first time. Before this week I was only looking for a top 10, but I managed to win the tournament. It's a wonderful surprise
Lee built a three-shot lead through 15 holes after playing near flawless golf over the historic Old Course.
Starting her round with eight consecutive pars, the former Philippines Ladies Amateur champion made three birdies in four holes around the turn before dropping her first shot of the day at the difficult par-three 16th.
Another bogey at the last, after she pulled her drive, failed to take the gloss off what was an impressive all-round performance.
After all six local amateurs made Saturday's cut, it was the experienced Tiffany Chan Tsz-ching and talented youngster Vivian Lee Kai-wing who finished as Hong Kong's strongest performers. The pair ended the US$120,000 tournament in a share of 13th place on seven over.
"I didn't have my best out there this week but to play in the first Hong Kong Ladies Open has been a fantastic experience," said the highly rated Chan, who reached the top 10 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking late last year.
