(Taranto, Italy November 3 2004) Miriam Nagl from Germany was the epitome of consistency over four days of the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour qualifying school and after an opening round of 72 and three consecutive rounds of one under 71, the 23-year-old from Berlin snatched victory from Denmark’s Lisa Holm Sorensen at Riva dei Tessali GC in southern Italy.
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| Mianne Bagger |
“I’m totally relieved now,” said the 24-year-old Angehrn from Zurich. “I’m excited at turning professional now and I’ll be looking for sponsors over the next few months so I can start my professional career.”
Eleanor Pilgrim from Wales gave a huge sigh of relief after posting a two under par 70 for a three over par total to regain her card after admitting to a torrid year on an off the course. Pilgrim tied with Pia Koivuranta from Finland, Mikaela Parmlid from Sweden and compatriot Anna Highgate from Wales, who slipped to a final round 77.
“It just feels like pure relief after the kind of year I had,” said Pilgrim. “I wasn’t expecting to finish like this today but with my round, I jumped up a few places and I want to start afresh next season, write this year off and go out and play the golf I know I can play.”
Highgate, a member of the 2004 Curtis Cup team, added:
“I’m happy that I got my card, just not happy about the final round today, but overall the week was great. I’ve had the support of my family and friends and now I’m turning pro and I’m looking forward to earning some money now!”
Sweden’s Karin Borjeskog becomes only the second left handed player to play on the current Ladies European Tour after qualifying in ninth place on four over par and tied with Mianne Bagger from Denmark, who this week made history as she becomes the first transsexual woman to earn a berth on the Ladies European Tour after the LET made a rules change to their membership regulations to be in line with the International Olympic Committee regulations on Trans-Gender athletes.
Despite a final round five over 77, Bagger was emotional and delighted that she has achieved a childhood dream of being able to play professional golf.
“It’s been a long week and tough for many reasons, but I’m naturally delighted to be able to finally fulfil my childhood ambition.
“I sold up everything that I owned in Australia to fund this year and I have nothing but friends and family, but now I feel rich.”
After the final placings, 36 players earned their full cards on a total of 299 (+11) to next season’s LET while the remaining 20 players will receive conditional playing privileges.
