One of the most exciting prospects in professional golf has confirmed her promise with a victory in her very first event as a professional. Sweden's 21 year old Caroline Hedwall was the beneficiary of a two shot swing at the final hole of the Bing Lee Samsung New South Wales Women's Open at the Oatlands Golf Club in Sydney, winning the event by one shot over the stunning 13 year old New Zealander Lydia Ko.
Hedwall birdied the final hole from 15 feet and watched as Ko three putted for bogey. The 13 year old would have become the youngest player to win an event on any of the major tours in women's golf but clearly her time will come.
Hedwall completed a fine amateur career in collegiate golf last year, her time in the US culminating in a victory at the NCAA Championship. She was unable to earn full status on the LPGA Tour but she blitzed the field at the Ladies European Tour qualifying and appears to have a great career ahead of her.
Korean born Ko is now based in Auckland and is a New Zealand citizen. She continues to confound the golfing world with her exploits at such a young age and must surely go on to follow in the footsteps of the many other Koreans who play with such success on the world stage.
Defending champion Stephanie Na did well in her attempt to win the event for the third time finishing alone in third position one shot ahead of Sarah Kemp, Katherine Hull, Kristie Smith and American Ryan O'Toole. Na earns the second prize-money because of Ko's amateur status.
The ALPG Tour now moves to Canberra for this week's Actew AGL Royal Canberra Classic
Hedwall birdied the final hole from 15 feet and watched as Ko three putted for bogey. The 13 year old would have become the youngest player to win an event on any of the major tours in women's golf but clearly her time will come.
Hedwall completed a fine amateur career in collegiate golf last year, her time in the US culminating in a victory at the NCAA Championship. She was unable to earn full status on the LPGA Tour but she blitzed the field at the Ladies European Tour qualifying and appears to have a great career ahead of her.
Korean born Ko is now based in Auckland and is a New Zealand citizen. She continues to confound the golfing world with her exploits at such a young age and must surely go on to follow in the footsteps of the many other Koreans who play with such success on the world stage.
Defending champion Stephanie Na did well in her attempt to win the event for the third time finishing alone in third position one shot ahead of Sarah Kemp, Katherine Hull, Kristie Smith and American Ryan O'Toole. Na earns the second prize-money because of Ko's amateur status.
The ALPG Tour now moves to Canberra for this week's Actew AGL Royal Canberra Classic
