At British Girls, Spitz wins one for Austria

August 19, 2018 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff

Emma Spitz (R&A photo)

Emma Spitz became the first Austrian to win the Girls British Open Amateur, but she had to beat a fellow Austrian to do it

Emma Spitz scored a win for Austria at the Girls British Open Amateur on Sunday when she defeated Isabella Holpfer, 2 and 1, in the 18-hole final at Ardglass in Northern Ireland.

“It’s my biggest win,” she told the R&A. “It was a great final match and I thought we both played really well. The wind was a little bit less than in the morning so birdies were needed to win holes. We had seven between us and I was just pleased that my putter was working.

“We have played together since we were eight years old so we know each other really well. We have played against each other so many times in match play already. It’s always a hard match against a teammate and winning is pretty cool.”

Spitz considers Holpfer a childhood friend. Still, she didn’t let up in competing against her. Spitz was 3 up after five holes. Holpfer, however, wouldn’t give in and kept herself in the match. Ultimately, she missed short putts on Nos. 13 and 16 to end it in Spitz’s favor.

“It was a tough match and different playing in a final against someone I know well. It was a great experience to play in front of a good crowd too, as usually at other events you might not have as many people following,” she told the R&A. “I’ve done well in Ireland before, winning here in 2015 at the Irish Women’s Open Stroke Play, so it has been nice to have another good week here.”

The spoils for Spitz, 18, are considerable. She now is exempt into Final Qualifying for the Women’s British Open in 2019, and also is assured an invitation to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

About the latter, Spitz had this to say: “It’s amazing (securing a place in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship). It was my goal from when the tournament was announced to try and play in it next year. To win here and get my ticket for the tournament is amazing.”

Information from the R&A used in this report

About the British Girls Amateur

At British Girls, Spitz wins one for Austria

The first stage of the Championship includes two rounds of stroke play qualifying. The 64 lowest scores over the 36 holes will compete in the match play stage of the Championship. Each match will consist of one round of 18 holes, including the Final....

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