Park times swansong to perfection in Dimension Data

Carrie Park of South Korea sealed a hat-trick of Sunshine Ladies Tour titles with a stunning wire-to-wire victory in the 2018 Dimension Data Ladies Pro-Am on Sunday.

The 21-year-old from Seoul came into the final round with a four shot lead after rounds of 68 and 69 at George Golf Club. A 65 at the Outeniqua Course at Fancourt extended that margin to a nine shot victory over nearest challenger Stacy Bregman.

The Investec Property Fund Order of Merit leader mounted a late charge, as did Valeria Martinoli from Switzerland, but it was all too little, too late.

Two under at the turn, Park birdied the par four 13th and made four one-putts for four birdies on the bounce over the last four holes to blast the opposition away.

“I’m really, really happy,” said an elated Park. “This is one of my favourite events and one I’ve loves since I was still amateur. In my heart I really wanted to win, because I won’t play the rest of the Sunshine Ladies Tour. I return to Korea next week, but I am leaving on a really high note.”

And it was a double celebration for Park and amateur partner Louise del Balzo, who won the Pro-Am competition by four shots on 22-under from Martinoli and partner Simona Stanton.

“We were tied through 12 holes and I thought I’d better start making some putts,” said Park. “Louise carried us on the front nine, but I was able to help her win with the four birdies to finish. I love the format and playing with the amateurs is a lot of fun. Louise and I dove-tailed really well and it’s so much fun when both players contribute. We had a lot of laughs and made a lot of great shots, so I am really happy that I could help her to victory, as well.”

The victory was the culmination of a meteoric rise for Park, who played for Gauteng North Golf Union from the age of 14.

Celebrations at the 18th! Carrie Park’s peers celebrate her wire-to-wire victory in the Dimension Data Ladies Pro-Am at Fancourt. Credit Luke Walker/Sunshine Tour/Gallo Images

She topped the Womens Golf South Africa Rankings before she joined the pro ranks in July 2016. In just her second start on the local circuit last year, Park celebrated a maiden victory in the South African Women’s Masters and collected her second trophy with a play-off win in the Sunshine Ladies Tour Classic, presented by Canon South Africa.

“I am very sad that I can’t defend my title next week and that I am missing the Investec South African Womens Open,” said Park. “Unfortunately I have a schedule conflict with the Korean LPGA Tour, so I have to go home.

“I love every minute that I play on the Sunshine Ladies Tour. I have learned many lessons, because this is a great tour for young professionals and for the amateurs. Playing with Lee-Anne and Stacy taught me to play my own game and to shut out everything my playing partners are doing. I was well-prepared when I started playing the second tier of the Korean LPGA Tour and it was thanks to the lessons I learned here on the Sunshine Ladies Tour.”

Reigning Investec Property Fund Order of Merit leader Bregman has a frustrating start, but warmed up the short stick to rack up four birdies over the last nine holes for a 70 and second on five-under.

Martinoli offset four early bogeys with a trio of gains, but a late bogey at the par four 16th for a 72 saw the Swiss golfer slip to third on two-under.

Defending champion Nicole Garcia bogeyed 13 after 12 straight pars. She dropped another shot at 15, but rallied with birdies at 15 and 18 for a 72 to finish in fourth on level-par. Three-time Sunshine Ladies Tour winner Kim Williams closed out the top five on one-over with a final round 69.

Written by and released by Lali Stander on behalf of the Sunshine Ladies Tour and WPGA.