New South Wales have won the Australian Girls' Interstate Series after a gripping 3 matches to 2 win over Queensland at Devonport Golf Club today.
It was a tremendous victory for the girls who never gave up after their first round loss to Victoria on Sunday. The girls bounced back from that early disappointment winning their next three rounds, which meant it came down to today’s final match against Queensland to see who would take out the Burta Cheney Cup.
Stef Hall was key early when she played brilliant golf in her round today, shooting 9 under to win her match. Despite being three down after the first four holes, the 16-year-old never gave up.
“I just said “I am not going down the 18th hole,” she laughed.
Hall’s 2&1 win over Darcy Habgood meant the Blues had their first win of the day, while Queensland already had one point following Lisa Edgar’s 4/3 defeat of Amy Chu.
With a win apiece, the next result went the way of the Queenslanders, with Golf Australia squad member Becky Kay proving too strong for Hannah Park, winning 3/2. Park played well but Kay’s putter was on fire, the 17-year-old sinking three long birdie putts in a row to gain the advantage on the back nine.
All eyes then turned to the number three match between Doey Choi and the Maroon’s Stacey White. Choi proved too consistent and stamped her victory with a birdie on 17 to seal an impressive 3/1 result.
New South Wales were on the edge of victory when the unflappable Yuan walked down the 16th dormie three. Despite hitting her tee shot into the trees, Yuan was able to par the hole. The pressure was then on Karis Davidson to sink a 2m putt for birdie. Unfortunately for Davidson, the ball slid past the hole.
It was a great win for Yuan who was playing in her last Junior Interstate Series.
“I am really thankful for all the girls helping NSW get the win, finally after five years of being in the team,” she smiled.
Team captain Amy Chu praised the efforts of all the players.
“The key to our victory was basing ourselves around a team environment and working as a whole,” she said.
Coach Dean Kinney agreed.
“The focus all week was a culture of involvement and team decisions for every member of the team,” he said.
“This included warm ups, recovery, nutrition, just all the little things that add to everyone feeling comfortable and enabling them to perform at their best.”