Magnificent MacLaren defends title Down Under
What happened at the Women’s NSW Open?
Meghan MacLaren came out a deserved winner of the 2019 Women’s NSW Open as she stormed to a three-shot victory.
The victory was fully deserved considering the 24-year-old was the only player to shoot four rounds under par.
England’s @meg_maclaren rolls in a birdie putt on 18 to win the #WomensNSWOpen for the second year in a row! pic.twitter.com/SrApnS8mCJ
— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) March 10, 2019
She went into the final round tied for the lead with Sweden’s Lynn Carlsson at 10 under and a closing 69 proved to be more than enough to send the trophy back to England once more.
The last round was packed with drama as MacLaren twice lost the lead. She made the most of the opportunities that were thrown her way by closing out her round with scores of eagle-par-birdie to finish her final round.
“It was pretty nerve-wracking out there, as much as you want the last few days to be controlled and straightforward, it just wasn’t like that.”
England’s @meg_maclaren has holed a one-metre putt for eagle on 16 to join Munchin Keh in a tie for the lead on 11-under #WomensNSWOpen pic.twitter.com/219cXpuq7X
— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) March 10, 2019
The second shot on the 16th was the most significant point of the day, a shot which in such tense circumstances was all the more impressive.
“I had almost the same shot on Saturday where I had to hit a 30- or 40-yard cut with a 3-wood around the trees and I pulled it off.
“So, I thought, I know I’ve done it before, and I know I need something because the lead had gone to 11 under at that point.”
The win saw MacLaren successfully defend a title for the first time in her career, despite having to conquer the field at a different track.
“It’s a bit of a weird one because it’s not at the same course so it almost doesn’t quite feel like the same tournament. It’s not something that too many people can say, so I’m pretty proud of that.”
Post round interview with the #WomensNSWOpen champion @meg_maclaren pic.twitter.com/Or1KdAGsA2
— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) March 10, 2019
One of the nearest challengers was New Zealand’s Muchin Keh, who was firing on all cylinders for 17 holes.
New Zealand’s Munchin Keh eagles 16 for a 2-stroke lead in the final round #WomensNSWOpen @ALPGtour @GolfNSW pic.twitter.com/NBfkMKbT6u
— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) March 10, 2019
At a score of six under for the day, she looked to be the one taking top spot when teeing up on 18.
However, an errant tee shot, followed by a poor recovery shot led to a costly double-bogey, which provided MacLaren with comfortable two-shot lead.
Talking Point
As many of you will be aware, Friday was International Women’s Day, and this was celebrated far and wide, including in the golfing world.
Lady Golfer took a look at some of the most influential women in golf, and many others did their bit.
European Solheim Cup captain, Catriona Matthews caddied for Scottish Under-16 Junior Champion, Hannah Darling at North Berwick Golf Club.
In celebration of #InternationalWomensDay @SolheimCupEuro captain @Beany25 caddied for @Hannahgolfer13 at @NorthBerwick_GC ??♀️??
#IWD2019 #BalanceforBetter #SolheimCup2019 #ItAllLeadsToThisMoment pic.twitter.com/ap2rp9jOFq— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) March 8, 2019
Elsewhere, Carly Booth was announced as a Scottish Golf ambassador for Women and Girls’ golf, which is another step towards growing the game.
? | On #IWD2019, we are delighted to announce that @CarlyBooth92 will join Scottish Golf as an Ambassador for Women and Girls' golf.
Read more here: https://t.co/Vxl1XpQ9A1 pic.twitter.com/mKLSzulyVt
— Scottish Golf (@ScottishGolf) March 8, 2019
And the LPGA celebrated with a video highlighting how the game celebrates this day all year round and offers opportunities for women from all over the globe.
Every day is #InternationalWomensDay at the LPGA!
We salute all women from around the globe on this special day. pic.twitter.com/ieipuBUkWr
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 8, 2019
What’s next?
The LPGA Tour is still enjoying a short break before resuming with the Founders Cup from March 21 to 24. But, there will be more immediate LET action as the tour heads to South Africa for the South African Women’s Open which begins on March 14.
Read more
