Emma Westin Photo: Maria Beautell
Sweden’s Emma Westin claimed her first victory on the LET Access Series with a two shot victory over Switzerland’s Melanie Maetzler in the Sölvesborg Ladies Open hosted by Fanny Sunesson. The Swede shot a closing round of 70 for a total of 214 in sunny and breezy conditions.
Westin’s previous best finish on LETAS was earlier this season, when she tied 7th at the Association Suisse de Golf Ladies Open in Switzerland. The 22 year-old from Boras had struggled in her previous two seasons on LETAS and put her strong start to the season down to hard work during the winter months, especially on her long game. But it was Westin’s putting that helped her to her first tournament win.
Westin holed from 6 metres on the 3rd hole for her first birdie of the day before holing from 7 metres for another birdie on the par four 7th. Westin’s only bogey of the day came at the 10th hole where she missed the green in regulation and failed to chip and putt. Unaware of her position in the event, the Swede made a birdie on the short par five 17th hole to take her to 2 under par. “My putting has been great this week, that has been the difference. I didn’t know how I was doing in the tournament. I just focused on my game, I am so happy I can’t understand it just yet.”
Westin will now concentrate on playing in the Nordea Tour events and will return to the LET Access Series for the Pilsen Golf Challenge in July.
Switzerland’s Melanie Maetzler has also enjoyed a strong start to the LETAS season, finishing tied 7th in the Association Suisse de Golf Ladies Open, an event she helped to organise. The Swiss player finished 5th in last week’s Kristianstad Ahus Ladies PGA Open and with her runner up place this week, moved to the top of the LETAS Order of Merit.
England’s Emma Tayler, playing in just her third event as a professional, finished in third place on her own at one over par (217). Amber Ratcliffe, who is also new to the professional ranks in her rookie season, finished in a tie for 4th place alongside Russia’s Galina Rotmistrova at 2 over par, 218.
The LET Access Series moves on to Spain next week for the OCA Augas Santas International Ladies Open, which takes place from the 29 – 31 May at Augas Santas Balneraio & Golf Resort in Galicia.
