New Zealand Women's Open: Wright wins it, Cho low amateur
PEGASUS, Christchurch, New Zealand ( Feb. 18, 2012) -- The 32 year old Australian golfer Lindsey Wright has returned from the golfing wilderness to win the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open hosted by Christchurch.
Wright, once No 12 in the world before taking time out of the game with a loss of form, nailed a 4m birdie putt on the final hole to claim victory at Pegasus Golf and Sports Club near Christchurch today.
Playing the last, the overnight leader was tied with compatriot Jessica Speechley and American Alison Walshe who were sitting in the clubhouse at nine-under, before Wright landed the crucial winning putt.
“It’s unbelievable. It’s still sinking in. I putted really well all day and the last six holes I was really nervous,” said Wright. “I haven’t been in this position for a while and I thought to myself ‘I can win this."
“I looked at the leaderboard and saw Alison Walshe up there and Speechley at nine-under and thought ‘no I can make this putt. Just keep your head down, just hit a great putt.’
“My caddy was more shocked that I was I think.”
Wright shot a final round four-under 68 to finish on 10-under 206, a shot ahead of Walshe and Speechley who shot rounds of 69 and a tournament-low seven-under 65 respectively.
Experienced Canadian Lorie Kane and Australia’s Stephanie Na both shot 69s to finish in a share of fourth place on eight-under, with five Americans in the top-10.
Leading New Zealander was 17 year old Cecilia Cho, the World No. 3 ranked amateur, who shot a three-under 69 to finish on five-under. She edged her good friend and rival Lydia Ko by one shot to bring the curtain down on her outstanding amateur career as she returns to Korea to turn professional.