Sunshine Ladies Tour rookie, Lois Lau of France, claimed her first title on the Tour with a playoff victory in the Jabra Ladies Classic at Killarney Country Club on Friday.
Lau closed with a 69 to tie for the lead with last year’s runner-up, Scotland’s Lorna McClymont (69), and South Africa’s Danielle du Toit (68), on nine under par.
Playing the par-four 18th again as the first playoff hole, Lau made birdie to secure the title as her two opponents had to settle for pars.
“I’m really happy and excited. This is also my first professional win,” said Lau, who also became only the second French winner of this title after Anne-Lise Caudal in 2019.
It was a dramatic end to a tournament that looked to be within McClymont’s grasp until she bogeyed the final hole to slip back into the playoff.
“I thought I really did good and I stayed really composed,” said Lau. “Before the round I decided to stay focussed on the process rather than thinking of the results, as sometimes I overthink my shots. My short game was good throughout the week, and today especially. I started feeling the pressure at the end as I knew I was very close to winning, so I placed a bit of positive pressure on myself. Overall I’m very proud of what I have done.”
Claiming her first professional victory in a playoff was also a boost for Lau.
“I hit a really good three-wood that left me a wedge shot in. I had adrenalin from the playoff so I took a club down and it was the perfect distance. The other two (McClymont and Du Toit) made par so I knew I had to make that birdie putt, and I could feel the pressure. I just focussed on my routine and stroke and it went in,” Lau said.
Scotland’s McClymont had to settle for second place for the second year running, this time joined by South Africa’s Du Toit.