Pace eclipsed by Luna in Switzerland

Sunday, 19 June 2011

Lee-Anne Pace almost produces memorable victory 

South African Lee-Anne Pace came close to producing a memorable title defending victory in the land famous for its chocolate, cheese, army knives, banks and snow-capped mountains.

That she was denied by Diana Luna of Italy on the last hole of the Deutsche Bank Ladies Swiss Open at Golf Gerre, Losone, didn't do too much to dampen the South African star's enthusiasm and determination for the packed golf schedule that lies ahead.

Luna made a birdie (nearly an eagle) on the par five finishing hole, while Pace had to settle for a par after driving into the left rough and being forced to lay up short of the water with her approach.

"A good effort but not mine this time. But my golf is back and I'm waiting for a bigger one," she said on her Facebook fan page as she tied for second with two other players.

The tournament was shortened to three rounds due to inclement weather and some players, including Pace, had to finish nine holes before going out for the final round. Pace scored 70, 66 and 68.

Next best of the South Africans was Ashleigh Simon on 209, with scores of 70, 69 and 70.  Rookie Connie Chen had her best result of the season so far finishing on 210 tied 21st, with rounds of 71, 70 and 69. Stacy Lee Bregman (74, 66 and 72) and Morgana Robbertze (70, 72 and 70), finished two further shots back on 212 for tied 35th. 

Next stop on the Ladies European Tour is Tali, Finland, where the Finnair Masters will be played at Helsinki Golf Club. Pace is the defending champion. "I love the course," she said. This will serve as a 'warm up' before the Evian Masters in France, starting on July 21, and then the British Open at Carnoustie in Scotland from July 28 to 31.