Rachel Lee (NSW Golf Photo)
Rachel Lee has been making headlines lately, and it’s no surprise why. The sixteen-year-old secured her inaugural professional win last November and has been unstoppable ever since.
She added another remarkable achievement to her resume by clinching the title of champion at the NSW Strokeplay Championships during the NSW Amateur.
“It’s pretty good to win. I’ve really focused on my game today,” she said.
The Pacific Dunes course posed challenges for all participants, but Lee maintained her cool and stayed optimistic throughout.
Despite finishing two over par for the day, she ended with a final score of 4-over, narrowly edging out her closest competitor by a single shot.
“I think it was very tough for everyone. This course is tough with all the hazards, but I think it was a good back nine for me,” she added.
“I was just trying to be more confident. I really felt like it was this or nothing. That’s how I always play.”
The past few months have been a whirlwind for this rising star from Avondale Golf Club.
“I am pretty overwhelmed right now with everything that’s been happening. My first few tournaments for the year weren’t great, but I guess I’m having a comeback now.”
As she gears up for the matchplay phase of the NSW Amateur, Lee is brimming with confidence.
“I’m definitely feeling confident. It’s just me and the person I’m versus, so I’ll just focus on how they play. It’ll be more relaxed at Belmont, too.”
Finishing in second place behind Lee was Erina Tan from Western Australia, with a final score of 5-over.
Reflecting on her performance, Tan expressed satisfaction despite encountering a challenging moment on the 7th hole.
“I’m feeling pretty good, especially after the roller coaster I had on Hole No. 7. I’m just glad I was able to finish the round after that. It really shook me up,” she said.
“I’m happy with second place after that.”
Tan acknowledged that this tournament showcased some of her finest golf in recent memory.
“The rest of the round was pretty good. A couple of bogeys, a couple of birdies. I played not the best, but it was alright, and I stayed in the game.”
Making it through to the matchplay stage tomorrow was a personal objective for Tan, who is more than ready to tackle it head-on.
“I prefer matchplay. It’s just you or them. I’m feeling better because it’s at Belmont too. The fairways are wider, and I can duck hook it as much as I want tomorrow,” she laughed.
Five of the women finished tied for third, those being Sophie Eppulstun, Camilla Kim, Amy Squires, Ella Scaysbrook, and Lara Thomsen.
The top sixteen women have moved onto the matchplay component, which will begin at Belmont Golf Club Thursday morning.
There was a playoff for the 16th spot between Strathfeilds Yerin Kim and Queenslander Millie Komulainen, with Yerin Kim taking the spot after the second playoff hole.
Recap courtesy of Kassidy Rogan of NSW Golf
ABOUT THE
New South Wales Women's Amateur
The NSW Medal is played over two courses. It is two
rounds of 18-holes stroke play and then
match play.
The field is evenly divided between the two venues
for the first day’s play with players changing
venues for their second round. The winner of the 36
holes stroke play section of the
Championship is the winner of the NSW Medal.
The leading 16 players from the NSW Medal (who
have nominated to play in the NSW Amateur)
will be eligible to compete in the NSW Amateur
Championship Match Play, with each match
played over 18-holes other than the Final which is
played over 36-holes. The match play is
seeded with ties determined by lot.
View Complete Tournament Information