The denouement of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open at Dromoland Fortress resulted in drama when Anne Van Dam had her driver snapped in two by a spectator rope as she was pushed again to the 18th tee in a buggy to participate in a three-way play-off for the title.
Because it turned out, Van Dam nonetheless managed to achieve the inexperienced on the par-5 gap in two, regardless of having solely a 3-wood to tee off with, however she misplaced the play-off, which additionally included Sweden’s Lisa Pettersson, after solely having the ability to make a birdie to towards Smilla Tarning Soenderby eagle, which secured the Dane her first LET title.
Soenderby headed into the ultimate day in a tie for twenty first place after rounds of 71, 67 and 72, however the 23-year-old powered up the sphere on Sunday with a 10-under-par 62 to put up the clubhouse lead on -16, a rating later joined by Van Dam and Sweden’s Lisa Pettersson.
Dutch star Van Dam held a three-shot lead going into the ultimate spherical however had an up and down day with 4 bogeys and 5 birdies on her card for a 71, however a type of birdies got here on the final to make it a three-way playoff. Pettersson who had an eagle, 4 birdies and two bogeys on her scorecard for a spherical of 68. Within the playoff, she additionally discovered the inexperienced in two however her second shot rolled down the again of the inexperienced and she or he was unable to make her eagle or birdie putts.
Victory offered redemption for tSoenderby, who three-putted the final inexperienced on this similar occasion final yr to overlook out her first win. “It means a lot. Final yr I might barely grip my putter, whereas this yr I used to be extra calm. I simply knew learn how to deal with it.”
She added: “I’m not fairly certain what occurred within the playoff. I hit very lengthy drive and had simply 178 yards in. I needed to hit a 5-iron to the center of the inexperienced however missed it a bit left. It appeared like I virtually holed it after which the putt went in. I didn’t suppose my rating was sufficient after I bought into the clubhouse, however it turned out to be sufficient.”
