Loraine Lambert captures Sapphire Coast Classic

BY iseekgolf.com | ALPG Tour | 2003 Aristocrat Sapphire Coast Ladies Classic | Wrap | 31 Jan 2003

Queenslander Loraine Lambert has “broken the drought” with a one shot victory in the inaugural Aristocrat Sapphire Coast Ladies Classic at Tura Beach Country Club on the NSW South Coast.

The 1997 French Open Champion fired a four under par round of 69 on the magnificent Peter Thomson designed layout, to finish one shot ahead of rookie Rebecca Coakley, and Nelson Bay’s Cherie Byrnes.

After going out in four under par 32, Lambert mixed three birdies with three bogeys on the back nine to record her best round on Australian soil for three years. “It has been a long time coming” said Lambert, referring to her last win which was at the 2000 Bermagui Ladies Classic. The 30 year old from Brisbane has been a loyal supporter of the ALPG Tour’s South Coast Pro-Am Series, having played most events since the very first Pro-Am at Mandeni Resort back in 1995.

Byrnes’ round of 70 was a consistent one, comprising three birdies – all on par fives – and fifteen pars. Coakley, however, got off to a horrible start finding herself three over par after five holes. A birdie on nine and then an inward half of five under par 32, showed the talent this 21 year old Adelaide rookie promises.

The Tour now moves to Catalina Country Club for a two round event to be played next Monday and Tuesday. Former world number one, Laura Davies, will be the start attraction at Batemans Bay where she returns to support the event she “swam through” at the same venue in 2002.

Source – ALPG Tour