No joy for Aussie girls at World Amateur
IN: News | Amateur Golf | World Amateur Team Championships (2006) | Round Two | by Anthony Powter | 20 Oct 2006
Australia remains in T7th position at 2 under following the second round of the Women's World Amateur Championship, nine shots behind host nation South Africa who bypassed Japan to claim a three shot lead at 11 under.
Francis Bondad's second round 69, the second best score for the day, is reflective of her talent. Bondad joins only sixteen players to score 70 or less at the Championship, including teammate Emma Bennett, who had the same score the previous day. Both Bennett and Bondad are positioned T12th at 1 under in the individuals, with Japan's Rikako Morita leading at 7 under.
France was the biggest mover elevating from T12th to 4th through posting the lowest daily total of two 68's from Anne-Lisa Caudal and Melodie Bourdy to be positioned at 6 under. Australia's second round total of 286 came through Francis Bondad and Emma Bennent with a 69,74 to be 2 under for the Championship.
Australia will tee up with Korea and Chinese Taipei for the third round. All three teams share 7th position and with time and opportunity running out, to have realistic chance they will need to record two sub 70 rounds. With only three players recording consecutive sub-par scores, closing on a 9 shot deficit will certainly be a challenge.
This week's field in the World Amateur is studded with young talented players from the four corners of the globe, three are only 13, and the majority are under 25. American star Kimberly Kim, who claimed the US Women's Amateur Championship, is yet to have her 15th birthday whilst her remaining team mates are all under 19. It's reflective of a generational swing in women's golf and it goes hand in hand with sustainability for a sport that's removing the traditional image.
Undoubtedly this week's field represents the players of the future, more importantly the players are shaking off the historical perception of women's golf consisting of middle aged ladies, having a social chat, whilst advancing the ball anyway but forward. How things have changed.
Now the competitors are athletic, fashion conscious and more importantly can play golf. Not only does this keep sponsors happy, but it makes the sport "cool" and "trendy", encouraging more youngsters to take up the game. There's plenty of upward movement associated with women's golf. It's positive and optimistic and it's sure to motivate the Australian team to close the difference in the remaining rounds.
Photo - Anthony Powter
