Three Australasians win 2005 LET Tour cards

BY iseekgolf.com | Ladies European Tour | 2004 Ladies European Tour Q-School - Stage Two | Wrap | 04 Nov 2004

Miriam Nagl from Germany was the epitome of consistency over four days of the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour qualifying school and after an opening round of 72 and three consecutive rounds of one under 71, the 23-year-old from Berlin snatched victory from Denmark’s Lisa Holm Sorensen at Riva dei Tessali GC in southern Italy.

Nagl closed at three under par 285 to keep the qualifying school title in German hands after Bettina Hauert won in Portugal last season.

Nagl had a birdie, two bogeys and an eagle three at the par five 16th after hitting her four-wood to 30-feet, then dispatching the putt from the fringe of the green which in effect won her the title.

“It was fun out there and I got what I came here for…my full Tour card,” admitted Nagl after her round.

“It felt so good that what I had been practising came good during the event and it’s nice to win a tournament again.”

Sorensen, a pint sized Dane with a big heart and plenty of game, made up for missing the cut at last year’s Q-School with a final round 72 to take outright second place, winning herself full playing rights for next season.

“I’m certainly happier now than I was last year,” said the 22-year-old form Hanstholm near Aalborg.

“I’m going to have a nice break over the winter and I’ll see what my plans are for next season.”

Swiss amateur Nora Angehrn from Switzerland finished in third place on level par after the lowest round of the week, a five under par 67 at this tight and tree-lined course near Bari and is a shot clear of Australian Carlie Butler, who had a final round 73.

“I’m totally relieved now,” said the 24-year-old Angehrn from Zurich. “I’m excited at turning professional now and I’ll be looking for sponsors over the next few months so I can start my professional career.”

Eleanor Pilgrim from Wales gave a huge sigh of relief after posting a two under par 70 for a three over par total to regain her card after admitting to a torrid year on an off the course. Pilgrim tied with Pia Koivuranta from Finland, Mikaela Parmlid from Sweden and compatriot Anna Highgate from Wales, who slipped to a final round 77.

“It just feels like pure relief after the kind of year I had,” said Pilgrim. “I wasn’t expecting to finish like this today but with my round, I jumped up a few places and I want to start afresh next season, write this year off and go out and play the golf I know I can play.”

Highgate, a member of the 2004 Curtis Cup team, added:

“I’m happy that I got my card, just not happy about the final round today, but overall the week was great. I’ve had the support of my family and friends and now I’m turning pro and I’m looking forward to earning some money now!”

Sweden’s Karin Borjeskog becomes only the second left handed player to play on the current Ladies European Tour after qualifying in ninth place on four over par and tied with Mianne Bagger from Denmark, who this week made history as she becomes the first transsexual woman to earn a berth on the Ladies European Tour after the LET made a rules change to their membership regulations to be in line with the International Olympic Committee regulations on Trans-Gender athletes.

Despite a final round five over 77, Bagger was emotional and delighted that she has achieved a childhood dream of being able to play professional golf.

“It’s been a long week and tough for many reasons, but I’m naturally delighted to be able to finally fulfil my childhood ambition.”

“I sold up everything that I owned in Australia to fund this year and I have nothing but friends and family, but now I feel rich.”

After the final placings, 36 players earned their full cards on a total of 299 ( 11) to next season’s LET while the remaining 20 players will receive conditional playing privileges.

Kiwi amateur Elizabeth McKinnon closed the day at 10 alongside Australian amateur Lisa Jean. Both players won a LET Tour card for 2005. Helen Beatty’s final round 79 proved costly with her dropping out of the top 36. She will gain limited starts for the 2005 season.

Heidi McCulkin, Joanna Whalley, Tamara Hyett and Tanya Holl Paterson all missed the 54 hole cut.

Source – LET