22yr old Academy student and Singapore amateur golfer Koh Sock Hwee has overcome a 4-stroke deficit to claim a commendable victory in the HSBC Women's Champions Host Country Qualifier 2012. Sock Hwee has now earned herself a coveted place in the field comprising the world's best female professional golfers, including the top two on the Rolex Rankings, Yani Tseng and Suzann Pettersen.
After struggling a little with the putter on the opening day of qualifying, Sock Hwee entered the second and final round 4-strokes off the lead. Scoring proved very difficult for most of the field in the 2nd round of qualifying, and after a steady and solid day of ball-striking Sock Hwee nudged her way into the lead playing the final hole. Needing a par for victory on the difficult 18th at Tanah Merah's Garden Course, Sock Hwee calmly struck her approach shot over the water and safely onto the green. Facing the pressure of getting down in 2-putts for a spot in the prestigous US$1.4 million HSBC Women's event, Sock Hwee held her nerves and went one better... nailing the putt for birdie, an even par round of 72 and a 2-stroke victory!
This is a terrific achievement for the National University of Singapore student and will mark her maiden appearance on the LPGA Tour and Sock Hwee's second appearance in a major Professional tournament after earning an invitation to last years Finnair Masters on the Ladies European Tour.
This year will be the 5th edition of the HSBC Women's Champions event with Cristie Kerr, Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie and young teen sensation Lexi Thompson heading the American challenge. Australia's 'Hall of Famer' Karrie Webb will be back to defend her title together with 2010 Champion and Japanese star Ai Miyazato. The HSBC Women's Champions 2012 will be played from 23-26 February at Tanah Merah Country Club, Singapore.
Congratulations to Sock Hwee on qualifying for this prestigous championship and we wish her all the very best for the tournament proper.
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