24 January 2006

Last year, world number one Annika Sorenstam skipped the inaugural Women's World Cup of Golf at Fancourt in the Western Cape. This year, with Sorenstam playing, Sweden captured the title at the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City.

Teamed with Liselotte Neumann, Sorenstam, with a strong performance that included a brilliant eagle on the par-five fourteenth in the final round, helped Sweden to a seven-under par total of 281, three shots clear Scotland's Catriona Matthew and Janice Moodie, and seven ahead of the third-placed Welsh duo of Rebecca Brewerton and Becky Morgan.

The USA, represented by Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis, claimed fourth place a further shot off the pace.

Sorenstam posted a two-under par 70 in the closing round, with Neumann contributing a 77, while Matthew fired the round of the day with a three-under 69, backed up by a 72 from Moodie.

Good final day for hosts
Hosts South Africa, who began the final round in twelfth spot, moved up the standings to finish tied with Finland for seventh on 292.

The experienced Laurette Maritz carded a 72, while teenager Ashleigh Simon, the youngest competitor in the field, turned in a 74.

Like Sorenstam, Maritz's round was highlighted by an eagle, which came on the par-five 419 metre ninth hole.

Speaking afterwards, Maritz predicted that Simon would soon be a star on either the US LPGA Tour or on the European Tour.

'The support was amazing'
Maritz also thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing in front of home crowds that totaled nearly 24 000 for the tournament. "The support was amazing," she said.

Because she is still an amateur, Simon was unable to claim her share of the prize money of US$46 750. Instead, her winnings will go to a number of charities and to Women's Golf South Africa.

The final day was less kind to South Korea than it was to the South Africans. They held down second spot overnight, but Bo Bae Song went around in 76, and Meena Lee carded a 77, which saw the Koreans slip three places to fifth spot.

2005 champions Japan never threatened to successfully defend their title and finished in eleventh position.

'This is a moment I will cherish forever'
Reflecting on Sweden's victory, Sorenstam said it was different playing for one's country, as opposed to playing for oneself. "This is a moment I will cherish forever," she said.

Looking back on the challenge provided by the Gary Player Country Club course, the world number one said: "I do think it's a tough golf course. I think if you can drive it well you can score here. It rewards good shots as well, but it is a tough golf course.

"I agree with all the players and you know, especially with some of the greens firming up and where they were putting the pins. There are so many different types of pin placements you can have on these greens and I think that's a sign of a good design.

'I thought it was a true test'
"You know we played for three days, three practice rounds, and it just felt like every hole was really different," Sorenstam said. "I must say I enjoyed coming here. I thought it was a true test."

Questioned about her experience of the Women's World Cup and South Africa, Sorenstam said: "It's been a fantastic week. I've never seen so many Swedish flags, not even at home, so they're obviously all enjoying this fantastic country."

South Africa has secured the right to host the Women's World Cup of Golf for three years, and in 2007 will again host the best players in the women's game.

Results

New Zealand 306

	The Women's World Cup of Golf drew the best women's golfers in the world to South Africa

	SA golf courses in world top 100 Japan win 1st Women's Golf WC South African golf: a success story SA golf tourism gains pace

	Women's PGA of South Africa  LPGA  Ladies European Tour  Women's World Cup of Golf