McKay breaks through at Terrey Hills
BY Bruce Young | ALPG Tour | 2003 Women's Australian Open | Wrap | 02 Mar 2003
27-year-old Glaswegian Mhairi McKay had never won a professional event before this weekend, which is rather surprising for someone who was given a Solheim Cup wildcard by Dale Reid last year.
Her win at this weekend’s Womens Australian Open has changed all that and the manner of her win, shooting 67 in the last round to beat Laura Davies, suggests more will follow.
McKay is now a full time member of the USLPGA Tour having played there since 1998. She has finished second twice on that tour both times in 2001 and last year finished sixth at the US Open. The quality of her golf swing suggests she will not be long out of the winners circle in the US either and this victory and its accompanying boost of confidence will go a long way towards making that an easier task.
Laura Davies, looking to win for the second time in seven days, was valiant in defeat after not being unable to secure the birdie she needed over the closing holes. Still, her return to form is a great boost for not only her, but the game in general.
Rachel Teske was alone in third with previous champion Marnie McGuire storming home to share fourth with Samantha Head. Of special note was the remarkable effort of recently turned professional Rebecca Coakely. She was tied for the lead after two rounds with Laura Davies but at seven over through eight holes on Saturday she looked to he headed for a score of 80 or worse. She recovered well with a one under back nine and then came out today to shoot one under 71 and finish sixth.
She has a great swing does the South Australian and look to her to make massive strides in the professional ranks as long as she can get a tour to play on.
The disappointment of the week was undoubtedly Karrie Webb who, although she threatened to make a move on several occasions over the weekend, finally ran out of steam to finish in a tie for twentieth her worst performance in this event for several years.
The European Ladies Tour does not play again until May in Tenerife, although for those qualified for the USLPGA they start their year in Tuscon in two weeks time.
