(25 May 2009 – Munich, Germany)
rn
Frenchwoman Jade Schaeffer defeated Spain&aposs Paula Marti at the first extra hole of a sudden-death playoff to capture her first Ladies European Tour title, the HypoVereinsbank Ladies German Open, presented by Audi. Both players totaled 13-under par total 275 after four rounds; Schaeffer closing with a five-under par 67 to set the mark, before Marti matched her total with a final round of 1-over par 73.
rn
rnAfter a thrilling comeback that included six birdies in her first eight holes, Schaeffer eventually won by sinking a 1-metre putt on the par-five 18th hole, earning €45,000.00 ($A80,541.00). A regular visitor to Australia, she pumped her fist several times before bursting into a stream of tears. It was her first cut made this year on the LET, and her best career best finish beating her third place at the 2007 Ladies Open de Portugal. Schaeffer said after her victory “My objective for this year was to win a tournament and play the British Open and the Evian Masters. I think now it’s good.”
rn
rnMarti, who started the final round with a one-stroke advantage on 14-under-par, maintained her lead for most of the day but missed multiple birdie chances. She had to settle for second, with home town favourite Martina Eberl and England’s Melissa Reid finishing one shot back in third. Trish Johnson also from England finished outright fifth on 11-under par.
rn
rnNikki Garrett was again the highest placed ALPG Member, posting a final round of 5-under par 67 to move up the leaderboard from a tie for 28th into a tie for 17th position. Karen Lunn finished in a tie for 37th at Even par total 288, while Joanne Mills finished in a tie for 46th at 2-over par.
rn
rnThe LET circuit continues with the ABN AMRO Ladies Open in the Netherlands, from June 5-7 at Eindhovensche Golf.
rn
Photo by Anthony Powter – Jade Schaeffer.