Allianz Ladies Slovak Open comes to an end as Caroline Hedwall posts her maiden victory
Another event on the Ladies European Tour (LET), the Allianz ladies Slovak Open, has finally come to a conclusion with tour rookie Caroline Hedwall posting her maiden victory on LET. The €350,000 event was held for the second time in continuation at the
Gray Bear Golf Club at Tale’ Slovakia. Top LET players from across the world gathered in the star studded tournament and the president of Slovakia, his excellency, Ivan Gašparovič as well as the First Lady also showed up in the inaugural ceremony.
Hedwall was appearing for the eighth time on any of the LET events and claimed her first title on the final day, when the tournament was reduced to 54 holes due to heavy rains on Saturday. Rachel Jennings, who had been leading the tournament for three consecutive
days, caved into the final round pressure and closed her day with a disappointing over par 74. Hedwall took over the field with her aggregate score of 11-under, 205, with her final round score of 67.
The tournament had to be curtailed to 54 holes after the heavy downpour on Saturday made it impossible to complete the scheduled holes on the final day. The format was stitched over to “shotgun” form of the sport where all the players were asked to tee-off
for different holes at the same time.
Turkish Airlines Ladies Open winner Christel Boeljon of Netherland’s continued with her superb form and posted her career best round of eight-under, 64 to finish for the second place. Jennings was a further shot behind Boeljon but was happy to post a good
performance in the tournament.
“I’ve had a few good finishes and that’s my first top five. I’ve learned that I can compete. I was in the final group and I held my own.” said Jennings. “I suppose I am disappointed and happy. I’ve got Vienna off because that’s the week that I get married
and the goal was to get my tour card wrapped up before then and I think I’m pretty close to that now.”
The 22-year-old Hedwall who hails from Barsebäck and is also a former NCAA Champion, had just earned her tour card in December last year when she passed out from the LET Final Qualifying School in Spain. She won her first professional title in January at
the Women’s NSW Open in Australia.
“I kind of knew that if I played really well I could have a shot but this early I couldn’t dream of.
It’s a dream come true,” said Hedwall. “I’m excited because this win will give me a spot in the Evian and the British so I’m excited to play those events.”
Thai rookie Nontaya Srisawang, pulled in a stunning Hole-in-One at 225-yard 17th and later found out that the sponsor’s have designated a Skoda Yeti car for the Ace at 17th. Young Srisawang posed for the reporters with a big smile as
she grabbed the wheel of the four-wheel drive. The 23-year-old player hails from Chagmai Northern Thailand and used a five-iron to accomplish the feat.
Hedwall attributed her success to her mother Yvonne who had been caddying for her in the tournament as well as her coach, her mental coach Susanne Pettersson and her strength trainer, Dan Salemonsson for making it possible for her to win so early on the
tour. She also collected a cheque of €52,500 as the winner’s share.
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