Kim Williams cards 74 to finish fifth in Turkey

Lying second playing the 16th hole in the final round of the Turkish Open Amateur Championships at the Gloria Golf Club, Kim Williams dropped three shorts on the last two holes to finish in fifth position in this international field.

Erica Lefson reports, “The girls once again teed off early – best time of day.

“The course had been set up even longer than the card said with some tees playing off the men’s blue tees. This did not give the girls a break at the par fives to make birdies and every birdie was hard work. The longer the length the narrower the fairway.

“Yvette had a better round hitting the ball well but dropped her shots on the greens with many three putts and carded 81 for a final total of 333. Ashleigh just got more and more frustrated with her game and finished on a disappointing 87, after rounds of 76, 81,79 to finish on 323.

“Today I spent the day with Kim – she was playing in the second last group. She played superb golf with two birdies and unfortunately a double and another drop on the the first nine – the tight first 9 being one over par and only 11 putts.

“Kim had a strong start to the second nine with birdies at 10 – 20ft from off the green and the 12th. It was great golf to watch and another great birdie at the 16th. Here they had a score board attached to a golf cart and Kim was now tied 2nd.

“Then the 17th with a great drive and a 5 min wait on the fairway ended in her second shot just off the green about 30ft from the pin – and her first three putt. Finally the disastrous 18th par three. She missed the green on the right – found a bad lie with the green running downhill to the hole and then a bunker. Her chip went four feet still not on the green. There was no way to stop the third shot and so a double drop five.

“I really felt for Kim who had played such great golf and wanted so badly to shoot under par. I so enjoyed the round with her. She ended with a 74 and in fifth position on 302. I think she was very disappointed – a simple four would have given her a tie for third position.

“Coenie just could not get on top of his game , but Johan found his swing and played really well until the 17th which cost him a triple drop. Both boys struggled with the greens and were severely punished during all rounds when missing the fairway.

“The women’s event was won by the Dutch player, Marieke Nivard on 293, Clara Spilkova (CZE) on 299 was runner-up and tied in third place were another Dutch player Chrisje de Vries and Karolina Vickova (CZE) on 301 in third place.

“So great friends were made – the tournament very professionally run and the hospitality was unbelievable. With over 20 countries represented, this tournament has gone from strength to strength and will get even better as they head towards 2012.”

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