SA Champion: Kono Matsumoto 14 year old, Kono Matsumoto from Victoria, is the South Australian Women’s Amateur Champion with a 2&1 defeat of Kristalle Blum from The Grange Golf Club in the State Final played at Kooyonga. Born in Japan, Matsumoto has been in Melbourne for about 8 years. A member of Victoria Golf Club, Matsumoto who started playing golf at age 10, was elated with her victory. I m very happy, I was so happy to make it through to the final, this is a bonus. It feels so good Matsumoto said. The conditions in the morning were nice. I didn t putt so well, but kept concentrating and wasn t going to give up. I had heaps of birdie chances but they all lipped out. Blum moved to 2up through 9holes, but Matsumoto won the 10th, 12th and 17th to sit 1up after 18. I played a bit better in the afternoon and putted better. The wind caught up a bit and I usually play well when it s windy. I felt comfortable as I really like having to calculate shots in windy conditions.” Blum won the 20th and 21st holes to again edge ahead and after 22 holes held a 1 hole lead. However, it would be the last time she would be in front. Matsumoto moved to 3up after winning holes 23, 24, 27 and 30, although Blum fought back reducing the deficit to 1 with 2 to play. I was 1up through 16 and was pretty nervous just trying to hit it straight and keep it together and be nice and steady Matsumoto won the 17th hole to win the Championship 2/1, claiming the biggest win of her career. I love match play, it s such a strategic game were you have to think smart. I ve been travelling so much this year, Adelaide for the Aussie Amateur, Tasmania for the Junior Masters, then the NSW Amateur, where I played well, but lost in the first match play round on the last hole. The popular Matsumoto has received great support this week. Dad caddied every round this week in the stroke play and match play and mum has also been here all week, we are all very happy. All my girlfriends posted congratulations on my facebook page straight after the win, I can t believe they knew so quickly. Matsumoto is trying to get Australian citizenship and is very keen to represent Victoria in the near future. CLICK HERE for the tournament event page on the Golf SA website.
Author: Christian Puccini / Golf SA