Third in the World!
Buenos Aires, Argentina (23 October) – Korea broke the record for the lowest score and won the 2010 Women’s World Amateur Team Championship by 17 strokes over the USA to claim its second Espirito Santo Trophy at Olivos Golf Club.
The South African team of Connie Chen, Kelli Shean and Kim Williams finish tied third with Sweden and France.
The Koreans, who also won the title in 1996 in the Philippines, shot 30-under-par 546 and demolished the 72-hole scoring mark of 558 set by the USA in 1998. Overall, the Koreans have won four medals in the championship and finished second in 1994 and 2000. Their margin of victory was just four strokes shy of the record of 21 by the USA in 1998.
Hyun-Soo Kim and Jung-Eun Han shot 69 and 70, respectively. The 71 from Ji-Hee Kim was discarded.
The USA finished second at 563 for its 19th medal overall and third silver-medal performance. Danielle Kang, the 2010 U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, shot 70 and Auburn University All-American Cydney Clanton shot 73.
In the second and third rounds, both at Buenos Aires Golf Club, the Koreans literally ran away from the field by firing a scorching 26 under par. Their record-setting stretch of play led to a championship-best 54-hole total of 25-under-par 407, bettering the USA’s 416 in 1998.
Defending champion Sweden, France and South Africa finished tied for third at 572. Sweden kept its streak alive by finishing in the top 10 in all 24 Espirito Santo Trophy competitions.
Spain finished sixth at 573 followed by Canada in seventh at 574. Germany, the Philippines and New Zealand shared eighth place at 575.
SA NATIONAL COACH VAL HOLLAND REPORTS ON THE FINAL DAY
Hi to all back home,
Well tied third in the World and we full of smiles. What a final day of ups and downs and how it could have turned to five under for us to be alone in third.
As Teams went up and down the leader board then eventually falling off the board is a good indication on how tough the last day of play was and how our team fought right until the bitter end. Final scores Connie 76, Kimbo 77 & Kelli 72 a brilliant achievement from the entire team and how proud Erica, Sandra and I are of these fine players.
Kelli was in a remarkable position of 4th in the individual. Well done to this amazing team, they have worked hard and it has paid off. Third in the World I guess is not too shabby. A big thank you to WGSA for the opportunity we have had to represent South Africa and what an unbelievable journey this has been for us all.
Lastly thank you to all the players’ families and friends for their support as well as all South African golfers who have sent us messages and best wishes. We are off to our gala Dinner and Celebrations and leave Argentina tomorrow evening for our trip HOME.
Ciao for now,
Val, Sandra, Kim, Kelli & Connie