Boland victorious at Lake Macquarie
BY Anthony Powter | Australian Ladies Amateur Tour | 2008 Women's Lake Macquarie Amateur | Round Four | 20 Jan 2008
Julia Boland has secured her first major amateur title in winning the 2008 Lake Macquarie Women’s Amateur over Stephanie Na. Boland fired a 2-under 71, to finish the championship at 6-over-par, three strokes ahead of Na.
Sheree Hasson and Rebecca Flood were T3rd at 11-over par, followed by Whitney Hiller and Jessica Noh at 12-over-par and T5th.
Na was runner-up in last year’s event, yet was unable to capitalise on a four-stroke margin moving into the final day. A final round 78, which included a 5-over, 41 on the last nine, damaged the overnight leader’s chances of securing a title, which has so far eluded her.
Boland, originally from Tamworth, is now based in Sydney finishing her final year at Sydney University with a Degree in Applied Science in Health. The 22-year-old was simply ecstatic with her win, after a number of earlier attempts at Belmont.
“It’s my biggest victory so far and it’s taken eight attempts here, but it’s finally happen,” remarked a relieved Boland after the presentation.
“I hope this is a start of better things to continue, as I really want to do well in these national selection events and get noticed.”
Boland finished this week at Belmont with rounds of 76-74-77 and 71, in a tournament plagued earlier with bad weather. The majority of the field struggled to post a score, as strong winds and driving rain unleashed fury on the exposed links layout.
“The last four days here, with the conditions, the rain and wind, have been the toughest I’ve ever experienced,” said Boland.
“Earlier in the week I was driving lines way over to the side of the fairway and bringing the ball back in with the wind. They were ridiculous lines that you don’t normally do but I just managed to keep my focus all week and not get worried about my score.”
It certainly paid dividends for Boland, and as the last nine holes unfolded, it was obvious that she was playing in a zone that was all focus.
“The weather did make you focus more and it was a matter of just waiting for opportunities to happen. It’s not sunk in yet, it’s just like you’ve signed off for a normal day.”
Boland now prepares for this week’s NSW Open at Oatlands, where she made the cut last year.
The next three months have now become even more important, as Boland knocks on the door of national selection following today’s win. That’s the objective and victory at the Lake Macquarie Women’s Amateur, considered one of the most sought after amateur titles, certainly has not done her any damage.
