Jenny’s breakthrough puts her on right course

Story courtesy of Adelaidenow

GLENELG Golf Club’s Jenny Lee hopes a personal best in senior amateur ranks will be the first step towards a big year on the fairways.

Lee, 17, was runner-up at the Australian Women’s Amateur Championship – the country’s highest prize in amateur golf – at Melbourne’s Commonwealth Golf Club on January 20.

It was the first time the dual SA Junior Masters champion had made a final since she began playing senior tournaments 12 months ago. Lee, of Glenelg South, says she would take plenty out of the experience because she went into the tournament simply hoping to make the cut for the matchplay rounds.

“I wasn’t looking too far ahead so I was happy just getting to the matchplay,” Lee says. “I think it’s a good start (to the year) just to get into the final of the Australian amateur.

“It’s my best result in an amateur tournament. “I’m happy with that … and I hope to get better from here.”

Lee struggled to reach the matchplay, shooting one of the highest scores, 13-over, after two qualifying rounds. But she made the most her opportunity and won four straight matchplays to book a spot in the tournament decider.

West Australian Minjee Lee beat her six and five in the final.

“I didn’t play well on that afternoon in the final round but it was a good experience playing in that tournament.”

Last week Lee was in Sydney playing the NSW Open.

Beyond that, the South Korea-raised golfer will juggle more tournaments, including the Australian Open qualifiers, with Year 12 at Brighton Secondary School. Lee grew up in Seoul and her Year 5 teacher used to let her skip classes to play golf.