Kristie Smith wins Tate & Lyle Players Championship
Australian Kristie Smith stunned the spectators in the final round of the Tate & Lyle Players Championship, as she recorded a stunning three-shot triumph.
Smith played in comfortable weather conditions, with modest winds sweeping through the course. She ramped up pressure on her rivals in the concluding round, outperforming everyone on the leaderboard.
The Aussie star kicked off the final round in an impressive style, as she knew how to put pressure on rivals. Although she faced trouble making calculated putts on some holes, she still piled up enough score
to keep other contenders at a distance.
She posted an impressive 66 in the final round, which proved to be a fatal blow to her nearest rivals. The only player who gave a tough time to the Aussie prodigy was Leah Wigger, who displayed a stellar performance
but lost momentum in the final moments.
Speaking to the media at the end of the Symetra Tour event, Smith said that she did not expect to put up a tough fight against Wigger, and was able to clinch a victory.
She pointed out that her performance was good overall, but she faltered a little on some holes on the last day, especially, the back nine.
Smith went on to say that after 11th hole, she started to step up pressure on Wigger, who had already come close to outperforming her.
“It was a little pressure coming into the back nine,” said Smith. “Leah kept putting a little bit of pressure on me. I knew I had the one shot lead and knew if I could get a few birdies coming in I’d feel a
lot more comfortable”.
Wigger, who was playing right from the start, reeled off a stunning birdie on the 11th, but lost momentum from the next hole. Her putting looked shaky on the back nine, which Smith capitalised on
to gain a lead.
“I tried to stay in the moment,” said Smith. “I get so fired up in front sometimes. And in the past I either get so far behind I just give up or I get far in front of myself I’m thinking about results”.
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