Woburn’s Charley Hull tied with Brokenhurst Women’s Open founder Liz Young – but won the play-off to become the first Rose Ladies Series winner. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

CHARLEY Hull won the first Rose Ladies Series Event in some style.

The Woburn ace defeated Hampshire heroine Liz Young with a birdie on the first extra hole at Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club, in the New Forest.

Spectators weren’t allowed inside the venue due to government social distancing guidelines.

But they would have been treated to a fantastic tournament and a thrilling finale which went to a play-off.

Both players carded level par rounds of 70 in overcast and windy conditions.

Young, who organised the event at her home club, played in the first group out and set the clubhouse target.

But she waited for three-and-a-half hours before Hull matched her score.

World No. 25 Hull was two strokes clear with two holes to play and looked to have the £5,000 winner’s cheque tucked in her back pocket.

But the Solheim Cup winner double bogeyed the par-four 17^th hole, after hitting a rescue wood off-line right into a ditch from the tee.

She had a chance to birdie the 18^th to win in regulation play but missed the putt on the hole.

The 18th is driveable when the county’s leading amateur players contest the Mike Smith Memorial Open, which was won by Hampshire junior Justin Rose, back in 1996.

After pitching on to the green, Hull took her chance at the first extra hole, rolling in a similar putt from 12 feet beyond the hole.

Charley Hull, from Woburn, receives her £5,000 cheque and a rose bowl from joint sponsor Kate Rose, wife of reigning Olympic Golf champion Justin. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

Charley’s been to Hull and back getting ready for return of LPGA

THE new champion was presented with a rose bowl and winner’s cheque for £5,000 by Kate Rose, wife of PGA Tour star Justin, who together, reportedly sponsored the series to the tune of £35,000.

That sum was believed to have been matched by sponsors American Golf enabling the Brokenhurst event to be rolled out into a series of eight tournaments in the next two months.

Hull hadn’t played a competitive round in almost five months – in fact since the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio, in Florida, in January.

Charley said: “I’m just so happy to be playing professional golf again and have a scorecard in my hand.

“The golf course was in great condition and it was my first time round here today.

“I was quite happy with my score. I doubled the 17^th because I  took a wrong line off the tee. But it was just great to be playing.

“I’ve missed it loads. I love playing golf. I’m pretty much golfed out because I’ve been playing every day. But I can’t wait to get back out on tour.

“I want to thank Justin and Kate Rose for putting these events on.

“You need to be playing to get back in the mindset. I’ve been playing a lot for the last few weeks and I played eight days on the trot.

“But it’s not the same as having a scorecard in your hand. I’ll go back to America in four weeks’ time, so hopefully this will get my brain back into tournament golf.”

Hull said she had never seen the course before but described the Harry Colt classic as a “hidden gem.”

Ex-amateur champs: Play-off rivals

HULL and Young – who was Liz Bennett as an amateur – are both past English Women’s Amateur Champions.

Young, the World No. 503, was pleased with finishing second, especially as she hadn’t played a competitive round in more than six months.

“I was excited and really nervous,” said Young, who last played at the Magical Kenya Ladies Open in December.

“It has been a long time since a card was in the hand. I was playing on my own course, so had the home advantage.

“But I also know where all the trouble is. I was really happy with how I played and level par, because it was playing tough out there.

“I was playing well in practise and I just hadn’t put much time in on the course.

“It’s all coming together and I’m just excited that I’ve got another seven tournaments in which to play.

“This is the start of something great for UK golf and hopefully this will continue.”

Essex’s Gabriella Cowley finished third on 71, with Hertfordshire’s Hannah Burke in fourth a further shot back.

Holly Calvert and Berkhamsted’s Alice Hewson – who won the Investec South African Women’s Open champion on her first start as a Ladies European Tour rookie – tied for fifth.

Liz Young with her husband and caddy Jon having seen the dream of creating the Brokenhurst Manor Women’s Open to help LET players get back into tournament golf.
Picture by TRISTAN JONES

Wentworth to stage final round of Grand Final

THERE will be a Rose Ladies Series Event played on Thursday each week, in June and July, leading up to the Grand Final on August 6-7.

The opening round will be played at The Berkshire, in Ascot, with the final round to be hosted on the famous West Course at Wentworth.

With Justin Rose’s management team Excel Sports teaming up with Young to put on the series, the England Golf ambassador was able to invite three of the country’s leading amateurs to play.

ROSE LADIES SERIES
June 25: Moor Park Golf Club
July 2: Buckinghamshire Golf Club
9: Royal St George’s Golf Club
16: JCB Golf and Country Club
23: Bearwood Lakes
30: The Shire, London
GRAND FINAL
August 6: The Berkshire Golf Club
7: Wentworth Golf Club (West Course)

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Lottie Woad is one of three amateurs to get an invite to the Brokenhurst Manor Women’s Open – the first of the new Rose Ladies Series. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

SURREY Ladies Amateur Champion Lottie Woad says it will be a thrill to kick-start her 2020 season competing alongside many of her golf idols in the first event of the Rose Ladies Series.

The England Girls’ squad player is one of three amateurs taking part in Thursday’s 18-hole professional event at the New Forest’s Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club.

England Golf ambassador Justin Rose and his wife Kate are sponsoring eight such events between now and August.

England women’s squad player Mimi Rhodes – winner of last year’s Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship in Portugal – has also been invited to the star-studded tournament.

Under 16 international Louise Burke, from Dorset, is the third England Golf representative in the field of 51 players.

It is the first post-lockdown event for players earning a living on the Ladies’ European Tour.

It’s an exciting return to action for the women’s game. Stars such as Woburn’s Charley Hull, Northamptonshire’s LET winner Meg Maclaren, and LET rookie Alice Hewson are heading to Hampshire.

Rose – the 2013 US Open winner and reigning Olympic champion – has sponsored the seven-event series and grand final with backing from retail outlet American Golf.

Lottie Woad (left) on England U16 duty last summer with Louise Burke (second from right), from Dorset, who is also in the field at Brokenhurst Manor

Woad working hard in her garden

WOAD has spent the past few months practising solidly in her garden at Her Farnham home.

And she is eagerly anticipating the day when she can return to competitive golf.

The fact that her comeback is in such a landmark event just makes the prospect even more exciting for the 16-year-old.

“It’s my first ever pro event and my first competition of the year,” said Woad, who became the youngest to land the Surrey crown, in April 2019, aged just 15

“I’ve not played an event since October when England took on Ireland at Hunstanton.

“I read on Twitter that these ladies’ events were starting up. I got in contact with the organiser – LET player Liz Young – to ask about amateurs being involved.

“Then Justin Rose came on board as a sponsor, and last Thursday I heard I was one of three amateur invites.

“It’s a brilliant way to start the season. I found out on Monday that I was paired with Meg MacLaren, which is really exciting.

“Meg was speaking to England players during an online session a few weeks ago. It was great fun and very helpful. So I’m looking forward to getting the chance to now play with her.”

Practice round will help Lottie with nerves

Lottie Woad has won both the Surrey Girls and Ladies titles

THERE may be some butterflies on the first tee for the England trio.

But Lottie Woad is just eager to get back on the course with a scorecard in her hand.

“I won’t overthink things and just try to play my own game – and not get caught up in the event itself,” added Woad, who will have dad Nick on the bag.

“I was down at Brokenhurst at the weekend to play a practice round. It’s less than an hour’s drive from where I live so really easy to get to.

“It’s a beautiful course and we even had a herd of deer join us on one of the holes.

“I feel my golf is in good shape as I’ve spent most of lockdown practising,” added Lottie, who won the Surrey Girls’ crown in 2018.

“My GCSE exams were cancelled, but fortunately I had good mocks to fall back on,” said Lottie, who added the Surrey Ladies’ title last spring.

“I was playing at Farnham Golf Club the first day golf was allowed back and birdied the first hole and shot two-under which was a good start.”

WOAD also made a splash on Twitter during lockdown with regular posts of her attempting a flop shot in her back garden.

Her exploits, picked up by the LET, Sky and The R&A, show off skills that Rose himself would be proud of.

“If I need to hit a flop shot then I should be ok,” joked Woad.

“I started hitting over a fence, then progressed to hit over a netball stand into a bowl.

“There’s no grass left in that bit of the garden now,” said Lottie.

The teenager shaved three years off the Surrey Ladies’ County Championship record once held by Dame Laura Davies.

The most successful British player in LET history is also down to play at Brokenhurst Manor.

After the Brokenhurst Manor event, the series moves to the following venues:–
June 25: Moor Park Golf Club
July 2: Buckinghamshire Golf Club
9: Royal St George’s Golf Club
16: JCB Golf and Country Club
23: Bearwood Lakes
30: The Shire, London
GRAND FINAL
August 6: The Berkshire Golf Club
7: Wentworth Golf Club (West Course)

Sky Sports will provide TV coverage – check England Golf on Twitter for updates of Lottie’s progress.

Justin Rose – the 2013 US Open winner and the 2016 Olympic Champion – who has sponsored the series of women’s events in the UK with his wife Kate

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Spain’s Alejandro Cañizares admitted he had few expectations in Australia before shooting a 63 to lead by the ISPS Handa Vic Open by two shots. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

ALEJANDRO Cañizares carded a stunning opening 63 to lead the ISPS Handa Vic Open by two strokes after the first round.

The Spaniard made 10 birdies on the Creek Course at 13^th Beach Golf Links – carding four in his first five holes.

He also finished with three in a row to reach nine-under par.

Alejandro Cañizares said: “I played really nicely. The Creek is a little more accessible than the Beach – most of the par fives are reachable, and I took advantage of that.

“I putted really well. I didn’t make many mistakes, and I hit the ball nicely with my irons.

“I didn’t have many expectations for this week because it’s a long way from home – you don’t know how you’re going to feel. But I was hitting the ball well and I’m working on the right things.

“With my category on the European Tour, you have to take advantage of the events you can play. I really like the golf courses here in Australia – the only problem is the jetlag, so I’m trying to beat that.”

The 37-year-old, who will play his second round tomorrow on the Beach Course, sits two shots ahead of the Australian quartet of Matthew Griffin, Jake McLeod, Travis Smyth and Justin Warren, who each carded seven-under par 65s.

Jake McLeod admitted a good result would help with points on the Race to Dubai.

“It’s the first tournament of the year for me,” said McLeod. “I’m just looking to dust off the cobwebs and see if I can make it until Sunday.

“I like the course. I know I can get out there and don’t have to think too much about it– just give it a rip and see how we go.”

European Tour members Aaron Cockerill, Min Woo Lee and Robin Sciot-Siegrist are among those in a share of sixth place on six-under.

Min Woo Lee, who played with McLeod, said: “Jake and I fed off each other and we holed some putts at the end.

“Jake played pretty solid all day and I just finished off really nice on the back nine.

“Early on I holed the first two putts for birdie. I kind of fell from there, but I regained a little bit of focus and the back nine was really special.”

Last year’s runner-up Brad Kennedy joins them on that number.

Kennedy said: “It’s nice to come here and start the year really. I’ve just had six weeks off and picked the clubs up last Monday and tried to see what I could do.

“I guess the expectations of last year have gone and it’s all about trying to see what we can do for this year.”

Meanwhile last year’s champion David Law opened his title defence with a four-under par 68 on the Creek Course.

•For live scoring in the second round of the ISPS Handa Vic Open click here.

Spain’s Alejandro Cañizares admitted he had few expectations in Australia before shooting a 63 to lead by the ISPS Handa Vic Open by two shots. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

Sagström overshadows Dame Davies

IN the women’s tournament South Korea’s Haeji Kang and Sweden’s Madelene Sagström share the lead on eight-under.

But it was Dame Laura Davies England most successful Ladies European Tour player ever, who rolled back the years on the Creek Course.

Ever the competitor, couldn’t help but laugh that her opening-round 67, her best round since 2018, was outdone by her playing partner Madelene Sagström’s 65.

“Still couldn’t win the group,” Davies laughed when interviewed after her first competitive round in six months.

It was her first competitive round since August, when she tied for 24th at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open.

Davies, who has more than 80 professional victories to her name, including 20 on the LPGA Tour, revealed: “My mum wasn’t very well and I just stayed at home with her.

“Just kept entering tournaments and had to withdraw, withdraw because she wasn’t getting any better.

“It just worked out that I had six months off and now I turn up here not knowing what I’m doing.

“I’ve been on Tour 35 years and I didn’t have a clue what to do. It was a bit weird, but a good result.”

A good result, indeed. Playing in what she called one of her favourite tournaments, the 56-year-old from Byfleet, said her putting was some of the best of her illustrious career.

Davies gave much the credit to good friend and former LPGA Tour player Rebecca Artis, an Australia native, who is caddying for Davies on the swing Down Under.

“She’s a really good green reader. She does that AimPoint, which bamboozles me. I haven’t got a clue what she’s up to, but she got the lines right,” added Davies.

“If I keep striking it like that and she keeps reading it like that, we might have a chance making the cut and make the weekend and see what happens, which when I got here I wasn’t too sure about.”

Former American college golf star Haley Moore, who is making her LPGA debut as a professional this week, shares third place on seven-under.

The ISPS Handa Vic Open sees men’s and women’s tournaments take place concurrently on the same golf courses at 13^th Beach Golf Links for equal prize money.

Competitors who played their first rounds on the Beach Course will play their second rounds on the Creek Course, and vice versa, with all the action taking place on the Beach Course over the weekend.

The 36-hole cut will reduce both tournaments to the top 60 and ties, with a further cut taking place after Saturday’s third round to the top 35 and ties from each competition for the final round.

•For live scoring in the second round of the ladies’ ISPS Handa Vic Open click here.

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Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year and LET Order of Merit winner Esther Henseleit.
Picture by TRISTAN JONES

ESTHER Henseleit produced a stunning victory in the inaugural Magical Kenya Ladies Open to wrap up the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit title for the German rookie.

Henseleit carded a course record eight-under par 64 on a dramatic final day at Vipingo Ridge, near Mombasa, to deny runaway leader Julia Engström who led by seven shots overnight.

Twenty-year-old Henseleit, from Hamburg, became only the third player in the 41-year history of the Ladies European Tour to capture the Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year titles in the same season.

She follows Surrey’s Dame Laura Davies in 1985, and Spaniard Carlota Ciganda, in 2012.

Victory saw Henseleit leapfrog Marianne Skarpnord as the European No. 1 – Esther also become the first German player to win either the LET Order of Merit or the Rookie of the Year titles.

LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR ORDER OF MERIT TABLE

Esther Henseleit posted eight birdies on the Baobab Course, at Vipingo Ridge, to post a winning total of 14 under – one better than India’s Aditi Ashok, who Aditi Ashokshot 65. Engström faded to third after a two-over par 74.

Esther Henseleit with her trophy, a giraffe made from recycled flip-flops gathered from Kenya’s beaches, by the company ‘Ocean Sole.’ Picture by TRISTAN JONES

Henseleit started the day seven strokes behind Engström, but quickly made a charge with birdies on the first, fourth, sixth, seventh and ninth holes to get within two at the turn.

Engström three-putted the 10^th as Henseleit birdied the 11^th leaving the pair were tied on 12 under.

Henseleit pulled a stroke ahead with a birdie from six feet on the 13^th hole and then went two clear after Engström bogeyed the same hole.

An eighth birdie from four feet at the 15^th moved Henseleit three strokes clear, but saw her lead cut to one as fast-finishing Ashok birdied the 16^th and 18^th.

Henseleit ended with three pars to ensure her first Ladies European Tour title, following a breakthrough professional win earlier this year on the LET Access Series, in the Skaftö Open.

India’s Aditi Ashok finished second in the first-ever Magical Kenya Ladies Open. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

Henseleit, who finished second on four occasions in 2019, said: “To close the season with a win is the best feeling I could imagine.

“To be the Order of Merit winner and Rookie of the Year is just unbelievable.

“Yesterday, after my round, I was a bit disappointed, but I just tried to do everything better today. I definitely tried to win, although I knew it would be really hard.

“After nine holes, I saw I was two shots back and I knew it was possible.

“I just tried to make a lot of birdies and I hit some great iron shots and gave myself many short birdie putts.

“The course was beautiful and it played a bit easier today, because the greens were softer. I did the best I could.”

Esther Henseleit finished third at LET Qualifying School 12 months ago and turned professional in January with a handicap of plus-seven.

The German knew she needed to win the Magical Kenya Ladies Open to snatch the Order of Merit.

And she delivered under pressure admitting on TV that she was watching the scoreboards all the way around in her fourth round.

Her season and eight further top-10 finishes, including four runner-up sports at the Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic, La Reserva de Sotogrande Invitational, Ladies European Thailand Championship and Estrella Damm Mediterranean Ladies Open.

Henseleit added: “It’s been a great year on the Ladies European Tour. It’s a really friendly tour and it’s been great to travel the world each week with all the other golfers.”

•For the final scores in the Magical Kenya Ladies Open click here.

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