Frenchwoman Joanna Klatten fired a dazzling course record nine-under-par 63 final round to win the Bing Lee Fujitsu General Women's NSW Open at Oatlands Golf Club.
The 28-year-old, who finished at 16-under-par, made nine birdies in a flawless display around the Oatlands golf course to win by three strokes from Canberra's Nikki Campbell (66) with England's Hannah Burke (68) and South Australian Stephanie Na (70) a shot further back in a tie for third.
Despite being one of the pre-tournament favourites, the Frenchwoman began her 2014 Open campaign quietly, carding an opening round two-under par 70 in benign conditions on day one. She followed it up with a respectable four under par 68 to be in the mix on Saturday, but it was her final round Australia Day heroics that had the galleries abuzz.
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Klatten, who started the final day three shots behind the leaders, opened her round strongly with five birdies in her first nine holes.
As the day progressed, and with the leading pair of Lindsey Wright and Stephanie Na making little headway, it was clear the title could be anyones.?? It was left to Klatten and Canberra’s Nikki Campbell to battle for the lead, and as they made their way through the homeward nine, it was Klatten who rose to the challenge, finishing off in style with birdies at the 17th and 18th holes to lift the title.
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“It was fantastic; I have to say it was one of my best rounds of golf, ever,” Klatten smiled after the win.
“I have shot nine-under before as an amateur, but this one felt like I was in perfect control of my game and my emotions, so I am extremely happy,
“I just played really great from tee to green, putted well, chipped well, hit almost every fairway in regulation.”
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Campbell was philosophical after her second placing, her final round of 66 wasn’t enough to secure a second ALPG victory, but she remained upbeat about her form throughout the week.
“It was really good, that was the best finish I have had in this tournament, so I was pretty happy with how I played all week, it was steady, second was a good finish,” Campbell said.
RELATED LINKS (click to view)
THE PREDICTION: Can Klatten make it three-in-a-row
THE HIGHLIGHTS: Klatten talks about her NSW Open win
THE SUCCESS: Klatten leaves the business world behind
The NSW Open title was Klatten’s second professional victory, following her triumph at the 2012 Victorian Women's Open and followed her impressive 2013 season on the Ladies European Tour where she finished 13th on the money list with three top-10 finishes.
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Western Australian Minjee Lee, the 2014 Australian Amateur champion, took home the leading amateur medal after finishing at 11-under-par and tied for 5th.
Lindsey Wright, who was the overnight co-leader with Na, finished in a share of fifth place with Kristie Smith (70) and Lee.
Fan favourite Laura Davies finished 19th at five-under-par.