Published: Thursday, 8th May, 2008 09:00
Nocera notches number six
By David Christie
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ON FORM: Gwladys Nocera celebrates her victory.
Pic by: Petra Boyce
FRENCH fancy Gwladys Nocera maintained a great run of form with victory at the Carrick.
Nocera’s five under par score over the three days edged out Sweden’s Maria Baden by two in the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open.
This was the French woman’s sixth tour win in 24 months, sealed in some style with a 20-foot putt at the last.
The two times Solheim Cup star said: “Every win is different and my first was probably my best but it’s always nice to drive away with a trophy.”
Nocera started the day one shot ahead and was never caught despite a valiant effort from Baden, who matched Nocera’s final day 69.
With far fairer weather than last year’s washout, the Scottish contingent were not too far off the pace.
Carrick sponsored Clare Queen finished the competition tied with fellow Scot Kathryn Imrie in 6th position.
For Queen it was her equal best ever finish on the tour while Imrie gave herself a fighting chance of regaining her LPGA Tour Card.
Queen, 25, spent the week prior to the tournament putting in the hours on the course she is understandably familiar with and the practice clearly paid off.
She said: “There is always a bit more expectation when you play at home but I’m happy with the way I’ve played.
“I’m disappointed I didn’t finish higher but I suppose it’s nice to be able to say that when you finish in the top 10. Today was probably the first time I have been out in the last couple of groups and I felt I had a chance.
“I’m chuffed because I handled it well and it just came down to a few putts.”
Many players making up the 114 strong field travelled long distances to particpate — none more so than Scot Mhairi McKay.
McKay, who plays on the LPGA Tour, flew from her New Mexico base just three days before the tournament started and left the country again on Sunday.
Two 74s may have forced her to question her decision to attend but a final round 68 pushed her into the top 20. She said: “It has been great playing back home again and I will always play in this tournament. The sun has been shining and it stayed dry most of the time.”
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