Perth’s very own Kirsten Rudgeley has become the first Australian to win the 2021 Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open title at Royal Troon Golf Club. This premier amateur event, the first Kirsten will be participating in over the next few months, attracts female amateur talent from all over the globe, and an exciting international feather in the cap of this rising star.
Kirsten carded an incredible six under par 66 in her final round, bogey free with her final birdie on the 18th giving her the victory one shot over Scotland’s Hannah Darling.
Kirsten’s Mum Donna shared, “ Our little legend did it ! She just played solid with no errors and kept her composure. In true Kirsten style she smiled the whole way round. My heart is bursting with pride. What a start to all the adventures we have ahead of us on this trip.”
Kirsten started four off the pace going into the third round , but quickly found her beat with birdies on the 3rd and 5th, edging into the lead with further birds on eleven, fifteen and sixteen.
Scotland’s Hannah Darling had been hot on her heels all day but dropped a shot on sixteen, leaving too much work to be done to close the gap in the final two holes.
Nineteen year old Kirsten shared with Scottish Golf Media, “ Getting an International win was definitely on my bucket list, and to add my name to such a great trophy means a lot.”
“I felt good coming into the final round and I knew I needed a low one – very happy I was able to do that.”
“I drove the ball straight and holed the putts when I needed them. That’s what you have to do, and that’s what got me over the line.”
Congratulations Curly, that final round was exceptional. Your cool head, talent and commitment to the sport is all coming together. We can’t wait to see how the next few months unfold.
