MACDONALD CLINCHES SECOND LETAS WIN OF 2021

Gabrielle Macdonald

Scotland’s Gabrielle Macdonald prevailed in a playoff at the Lavaux Ladies Open to secure her second LET Access Series title in 2021.

The 28-year-old began the day in a tie for fifth place on -4 and produced a round of 69 to finish the tournament of seven-under-par.

In the group before the Scot, England’s Gemma Clews carded a round of 68 (-4) to set the clubhouse lead before Macdonald rolled in a birdie on 18 to ensure a playoff.

A par on the playoff hole was enough for the Scotswoman to earn her second playoff victory in the space of four events.

“It feels amazing to get my second win! It was my goal this week to try and win but after a poor first few holes in round 1, I can’t believe it! I was three-over through five holes in round one and so to come back and win the event after that start is great and I’m really proud of how I played this week,” said Macdonald.  

The two-time LETAS winner has fond memories of Golf de Lavaux and has loved being back in beautiful location of Switzerland.  

She added: “I love the course; I have played here a few times. The first as an amateur and that has special memories for me as my mum was there, the last time she was able to watch me play. It is a beautiful place and I have enjoyed coming back this week.”

Macdonald began her final round in good form rolling in birdies on the fifth, seventh, ninth and 10th holes.

Despite a couple of dropped shots on 12 and 15, the Allerum Open winner made a birdie on the last to put her in playoff contention before sinking that putt on the playoff hole to win.

“My round today was really solid tee to green, the best all week and despite some nerves I managed to make birdie up the last when I needed to which got me into the playoff. My friend Clara Young was caddying for me, and it was great to have her support and help me read that putt on 18,” said Macdonald.

After rounds of 69 and 72 on the first two days, Clews produced a final day charge to climb to the summit of the leaderboard.

Despite missing out on victory, second place is still the best-ever finish on the LET Access Series for the English golfer.

A trio of French amateurs appeared next on the leaderboard with Ariane Klotz and Emma Falcher finishing T3 on six-under-par, while Nastasia Nadaud was one shot further back in solo fifth place.

Three players finished T6 with India’s Gaurika Bishnoi, England’s Katrina Gillum and Spain’s Teresa Diez Moliner all on four-under after rounds of 69, 71 and 72, respectively.

In a share of ninth place were five players: Sweden’s Corinne Viden, India’s Ridhima Dilawari, Dutch amateur Anne-Sterre den Dunnen and Finland’s Emilia Tukiainen.