HONG KONG, Feb 22, 2013 (HK Golfer News Wire) - Michelle Cheung Wing-yee won the Hong Kong Ladies Close Amateur Championship – and with it a spot in next month's World Ladies Championship – after an accomplished display in the final round at Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club on Friday.
South Island School student Cheung, 17, closed with a solid 73 over the scenic clifftop layout for a three-day total of 227 and a two-shot advantage over fellow Hong Kong international Kitty Tam Yik-ching, 17, in second. Michelle Lee Ching-suet showed she will be one to watch in the future, the 14-year-old claiming third place, eight shots further back.
"I was nervous over the first couple of holes but I was able par both of them, which calmed me down, and I was pretty steady after that," said Cheung, who started the round with a slender one-shot lead over Tam. "I only knew I was leading after the 17th hole, which probably helped, but it's definitely a great feeling to win."
Cheung, who will attend the University of Wisconsin on a golf scholarship later this year, played the dangerous final hole impeccably. A long drive at the par-five closer was followed by a lay-up and a fine pitch to within 10 feet of the flag. Two putts later and she was declared the champion.
The World Ladies Championship, a Ladies European Tour event which will feature three of the world's top 10 players – Inbee Park, Shanshan Feng and Suzann Pettersen – will be played at Mission Hills Hainan from 7-10 March, and Cheung will be one of only six amateurs to take their place in the elite field.
"Whatever happens there it will be a amazing experience," said Cheung, who was informed of her berth by Mission Hills Group Executive Director Iain Roberts after holing the winning putt. "I can't believe it's happening in two weeks; I'm going to need to practice!"
Results
227 – Michelle Cheung 79 75 73
229 – Kitty Tam 81 74 74
237 – Michelle Lee 83 78 76
238 – Tiana Gwenn Lau 80 82 76
240 – Isabella Leung 75 86 79
241 – Emilie Vickie Leung 84 81 76
242 – Carrie-Ann Lee 82 84 76; Mimi Ho 90 76 76
250 – Cindy Lee 89 82 79
253 – Estee Vivian Leung 86 80 87