Garrett surges to lead at NSW Open

BY David Collinge | ALPG Tour | 2006 Women's NSW Open | Round Two | 09 Dec 2006

Nikki Garrett has thrown down the gauntlet for golfing summer with a solid and determined second round 3 under par at the LG Bing Lee NSW Open Championship today.

In the club house at 8 under for the event, the Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year overcame strong rounds from Joanne Mills and fellow LET player Carlie Butler to claim outright leadership. Mills, Butler and Wendy Doolan are all on 7 under.

Following a very successful year in Europe, Garrett seems poised to take the next step to be become a consistent top performer on the professional circuit.

There is no doubt that 12 months on the Ladies European Tour has brought a maturity to Garrett’s game. She acknowledges that the variety of challenges it presents has helped her develop her game and give it extra dimension. Success this summer at home will see Garrett head to Europe as a force to be reckoned with.

Mills and Butler both benefited from the benign early conditions at Sydney’s Oatlands Golf Course. Both have the potential to overtake Garrett. Having had a mixed year in Europe, a strong result here would be especially welcome for Butler.

Last night’s leader Tamie Durden has dropped back to be three shots off the lead following a round full of frustration. Today she had a number of very unlucky putts which simply would not drop. Her experience from two years on the Japanese tour, and the calm and methodical manner in which she goes about her game will see her still in with a chance in tomorrow’s final round.

Sarah Oh, the young NSW amateur returned a 4 under round to lie equal with Durdin. Blessed with an outstanding short game, Oh has won most available amateur titles in her short career, and threatens to do much more.

Round of the day belongs to Mianne Bagger, who after a forgettable 78 yesterday, carded a sizzling 8 under 65 today to take a place in the leader’s pack. Another round like that tomorrow could easily elevate her to victory.

This year’s ALPG tour can already count itself a success. The depth of talent on show in the inaugural NSW Open has already produced some wonderful golf. The players are keenly looking forward to February’s revitalised Australian Women’s Open and the LET co-sanctioned ANZ Ladies Masters.

Tomorrow will see some of our finest female golfers battling to claim a victory in what should become a highlight annual event.

Photo – Anthony Powter