Lee narrowly defeated in SA Amateur Championship

Story courtesy of Golf SA Website

21 year old Cyna Rodriguez, from the Philippines, is the South Australian Women’s Amateur Champion with a 2/1 defeat of Glenelg’s Jenny Lee in the State Final.

Rodriguez, who is a member of The Country Club Philippines and who recently spent 3 years playing golf and studying Psychology and Occupational Therapy at Southern California University, was elated with the result.

“This is my first win for the year, I’m relieved it’s over, I’m really happy”. Rodriguez said

With 3 birdies in the morning, Rodriguez solid play found her 4 up after 18 holes. “I was driving the ball really well this morning, stayed on the fairway and was making pars.” Rodriguez said.

Lee won the first two holes after the break, before Rodriguez took holes 3, 4 and 5 to move to 6 up after 29 holes.

Lee cut the deficit back to 4 with four holes to play. “The wind started to pick up and the holes played slightly differently. I wasn’t hitting my driver that well”.

‘The course was in great condition, but I found it hard to get a feel of the greens today, they were a little faster than the Semi Finals”. Rodriguez said.

Lee won the 15th with a par, after an up and down, then birdied the 16th to cut the deficit to 2 with two to play.

Under pressure at the 17th tee, Rodriguez drove to the centre of the fairway, while Lee went slightly askew down the right side. From an awkward lye, close to two trees, Lee magnificently cut the ball just landing back left off the green, only to then be upstaged by Rodriquez who hit an exquisite second shot, to land a few yards from the hole.

With Lee’s chip missing and Rodriguez birdie putt just edging past the hole, Lee conceded the contest giving Rodriguez a well-deserved victory.

Rodriguez coach of 7 years and Caddy in the final, Nestor Mendoza, was thrilled with the result. “Cyna was confident after winning the stroke play, for her to win the Match Play I’m very pleased.” Mendoza said.

“I’m pleased Cyna listened to advice and responded to the need of the situation. During difficult stages I’m very happy how she responded”. Mendoza added.

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