The star studded field assembled for the ALPG&aposs second major women&aposs golf tournament better beware following defending champion Kristie Smith&aposs statement that she “is swinging it the best I have in a while.”
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In an ominous warning the 22-year old can’t wait for the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Ladies Classic to get underway on Friday at the magnificent Royal Canberra Golf Club in the nation’s Capital.
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In a memorable start to her rookie year, Smith fired an incredible final round of nine under par 64 to finish on top of a high quality 2010 field, defeating 2009 ANZ Ladies Masters champion, Katherine Hull, by two shots.
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Smith said “Yes, It’s very exciting to be back at Royal Canberra. I have so many memories of that final round but I&aposll never forget looking up at that leaderboard on 15th green and seeing I had a 4 shot lead with two reachable par 5&aposs to come! The phone call afterwards to Mum and Dad was a conversation I&aposll never forget as well.”
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When asked for her thoughts on returning as a defending champion she stated “It’s a new experience but an exciting one. It will be interesting to see how I keep my expectations intact. I’m sure I’ll feel a little added pressure and some nerves, but I always seem to handle that well so I am looking forward to being in the moment.”
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Of her form of late “My form is quite good, I’m feeling confident and swinging it the best I have in a while. I’m looking forward to a great week.”
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Smith’s task, however, won’t be easy around a golf course which players are saying is a little tougher and longer than 2010. Three holes have been lengthened and the recent rain has seen the rough grow a little thicker than last year, with the greens remaining fast and pure.
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The top three players from the 2010 Ladies European Tour Money List, South African Lee-Anne Pace, England’s duo Laura Davies and Melissa Reid are here and looking forward to kick starting their year with a win. Another international to watch out for is Frenchwomen Gwladys Nocera.
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Last week’s winner of the Bing Lee / Samsung Women’s NSW Open, Swede Caroline Hedwall, will be looking to continue her great start to her professional career this week.
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Smith’s fellow compatriots will also be trying to keep the title in Australian hands. The Australian contingent will be lead by Smith, World No. 19 Katherine Hull, local player and member of Royal Canberra Nikki Campbell and Lindsey Wright.
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86 players will be teeing it up from 14 different countries, truly an international field and a great lead into next week’s Women’s Australian Open at Commonwealth Golf Club in Melbourne.
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