(Killarney, Ireland May 12 2002) Denmark’s Iben Tinning made history by becoming the first Danish winner in women’s professional golf after defeating fellow Scandinavian Suzann Pettersen at the first extra hole at the Euro165, 000 Ladies Irish Open at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club in County Kerry.
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| Seven years and finally…a win |
The 28-year-old from Copenhagen made the early running with birdies at the third and fifth to turn in 35, building a three shot lead. But bogies at the 11th and 15th saw her back peddle while Pettersen picked up shots at the same holes to tie at two under par.
Both players birdied the 17th, with Pettersen the most disappointed after missing a six foot eagle putt to go four under par.
At the 18th, the Norwegian three putted the rollercoaster green from 30 feet, while Tinning could not get up and down from the greenside bunker.
In the playoff, Pettersen made the first mistake, pushing her tee shot into the fourth fairway with Tinning safely on the green, 25 feet away. The Norwegian played a miraculous shot around and over the trees to 30 feet, but once again, three putted for bogey.
Tinning safely negotiated two putts for her maiden victory and the Euro24,750 first prize.
“I can’t believe it,” said Tinning, who lost in a playoff to Sophie Gustafson at the 1998 Irish Open.
“This has always been a big goal for me and to be honest, it’s come as a bit of a surprise because my putting hasn’t been so good lately.
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| Pettersen – just missing par putt in playoff |
“It was very tough out there and maybe I tried too hard at times,” said the 20-year-old from Oslo, who lost in extra holes to Karrie Webb at the Women’s Australian Open in February, and to Karine Icher at the 2001 Mexx Sport Open.
“At the end of the day, nobody died, we had a great winner and I’ve picked up more Solheim Cup points for this year, so that’s already cheered me up.”
And Boden, who qualified at Tour school last year, came to the paid ranks with a comprehensive amateur record, wasting little time in making her mark.
“I came out this morning and I was aiming for the win, ” said the amiable 24-year-old physiology graduate from Oklahoma State University, playing in just her second Tour event.
