New Zealand golfer Cecilia Cho, at 15 years believed to be the youngest player to win the Srixon Australian Strokeplay, will now turn her attentions to the battle for the amateur championship honours in Perth.

 

Cho produced a super-steady even-par 72 in the final round to come from two shots back to claim the Australian Strokeplay honours by one shot from Breanna Elliott (AUS) and Liu Yi-Chen (TPE) who were tied for second place at even par at Cottesloe Golf Club.

The 15-year-old, in her first appearance for New Zealand since gaining her citizenship, has the chance to become the first kiwi to win both the Australian strokeplay and amateur titles when the matchplay phase begins tomorrow.

“It’s pretty exciting to win because it’s my first time in Australia,” Cho said. “When I came over I thought I could win but I didn’t think about it too much. Given it’s my first time, it was more about the experience.”

“I thought I would probably have to shoot about 5-under to win,” Cho said. “I didn’t shoot that so I didn’t think I would win.”

"I was consistent enough. I didn't really hole many putts. I just kept on making pars.”

She became the third New Zealander to win the Australian strokeplay honours following from Sarah Nicholson in 2006 and Lynnette Brooky in 1993.

Only one New Zealander has ever captured the Australian Amateur title in Jan Higgins 21 years ago, also in Western Australia.

And should she manage to work her way through five elimination rounds of matchplay, Cho would become joint holder of both the Australian and New Zealand amateur crowns, a feat no other New Zealander has achieved.



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