HONG KONG, February 21, 2014 (HK Golfer News Wire) - Despite not being at her best in the final round, Kitty Tam Yik-ching cruised to her maiden Hong Kong Ladies Close Amateur title at Discovery Bay Golf Club on Friday.
Seventeen-year-old Tam 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 Cheuk-sze, 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."
Leading final scores:
236 - Kitty Tam (81-70-85)
244 - Cheria Heng (86-79-79)
248 - Tiana Lau (88-76-84)
252 - Mimi Ho (88-80-84), Emily Leung (90-77-85)
253 - Estee Leung (91-81-81)
254 - Li Kai Wing
261 - Queenie Lai (91-88-82) 264 – Deedee Wong (90-80-94)
274 - Annabelle Gerber (87-90-97).