Kitty Eases to Maiden Title

Seventeen-year-old Tam, who finished second in 2013, impresses on her way to victory at the Ladies’ Close Amateur Championship in difficult conditions

Despite not being at her best in the final round, Kitty Tam cruised to her maiden Hong Kong Ladies Close Amateur title at Discovery Bay Golf Club in late February.

The 17-year-old posted a 85 in high winds for a 54-hole total of 236, which was good enough for an eight-shot margin of victory. Cheria Heng, 19, posted a second consecutive 79 to finish in second place, while Tiana Gwenn Lau's 84 secured third place, a further four shots back.

Tam went into the final round 13 shots clear following a tournament-low round of 70 on day two, and was thankful for the hefty advantage given the difficult scoring conditions that greeted players at the Lantau club.

"I'm very happy to win even though I didn't play so well in the final round," said Tam, who finished second behind Michelle Cheung last year. "The wind really affected all the players today so I was relieved to have such a large overnight lead."

With a three-day total of 268, Alice Karr emerged victorious in Division One of the Mid-Amateur category, while Hu Yan-hong (255) took the honours in Division Two.

FINAL STANDINGS

1 Kitty Tam 81 70 85 236
2 Cheria Heng 86 79 79 244
3 Tiana Lau 88 76 84 248
4= Mimi Ho 88 80 84 252
Emily Leung 90 77 85 252
6 Estee Leung 91 81 81 253
7 Li Kai Wing 89 84 81 254
8 Queenie Lai 91 88 82 261
9 Deedee Wong 90 80 94 264
10 Annabelle Gerber 87 90 97 274

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