Rookie Chen books British Open place

CONNIE Chen, a rookie on the LET, booked her spot in this month's Ricoh Women’s British Open with a sparkling performance at the Finnair Masters at Helsinki Golf Club in Tali, Finland, last weekend. She admitted to starting nervously in round one and shot 73.
However, she didn’t alter much going into the next two days, opting to trust what she was doing and “play golf and just let it happen”.

It did happen. And in some style too. She started day two with two birdies and it led to a 66 which she followed up with 68 the next day on the par 71 course.

She finished on -6 in a tie for seventh, five shots behind the winner Caroline Hedwall of Sweden.
Lee-Anne Pace was tied for ninth on -4. Veteran Laurette Maritz and Tandi Cuningham unfortunately missed the cut.
Chen, who lives in Pretoria, is settling well into tour life.
“It was a little rocky at the beginning but it’s coming right. It can be tough being so far from home but I’ve made friends with some of the girls from Q-school, as well as the SA players,” she said.
Connie also has her dad Hong on the bag so that helps. “He likes it,” she said, in reference to his bag toting duties.
She is really looking forward to the Ricoh Women’s British Open, which will be played at the notoriously difficult Carnoustie course in Scotland from July 28 to 31.
Prizemoney is 1 875 000 Euros so there’s certainly something to play for.
“I have played quite a bit in the UK but never at Carnoustie,” said Connie. “I’ve played at Hesketh and also at Royal St George’s, which is hosting the men’s Open this year. That’s a true links course,” she said.
Her preparation is uncomplicated. “I will work on it when I get there,” she laughed, able to relax at home for a short while during a break on tour. “I definitely won’t over analyse... just play golf and let it come,” she said.