Even at five feet tall, Chiara Tamburlini stood like a giant over this year’s Joburg Ladies Open as the Swiss professional claimed a record seven-shot victory in this Sunshine Ladies Tour and Ladies European Tour event at Modderfontein Golf Club on Sunday. MICHAEL VLISMAS reports.
Starting the final round with a commanding six-shot lead, Tamburlini was never under pressure as she closed with a 70 to win on 17 under par and record the largest margin of victory in the 10-year history of the tournament.
The previous best was Ashleigh Buhai’s six-shot triumph in the inaugural Joburg Ladies Open in 2015.
It was Tamburlini’s first victory on the Sunshine Ladies Tour and Ladies European Tour and a clear sign of a star in the making, with the 24-year-old having only turned professional in August last year and claiming victory in only her seventh Ladies European Tour start.
“It was a special day today, especially being able to win by such a big margin,” said Tamburlini. “I definitely dreamed of this day but that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. But the more you work towards your dreams the sooner you’re able to achieve them.”
Thailand’s Aunchisa Utama took second place on 10 under par with a final round of 71, while Nicole Garcia finished as the leading South African in fifth place on eight under par following a final round of 70.
But this was indeed a masterclass by Tamburlini as she built on her overnight lead with two birdies to start.
Despite her sizeable lead, which at one point was as much as 10 shots, she continued to play aggressive golf which gave her the luxury of being able to drop three shots on her final two holes and still claim victory.
“It felt great starting off with two birdies, but I just tried to keep pushing because it’s never over till it’s over. I told myself I can celebrate once it’s done and sealed. It’s so many emotions and joy from all the hard work and all the people who have supported me.”
The tournament also wrapped up a strong commitment by the City of Joburg to support its young girls in need through the Birdies4Dignity campaign, in collaboration with Spar.
Every birdie made by a professional golfer during the tournament translated into the donation of a dignity hamper, with 300 hampers donated to girl learners at Bramley Primary School.
“I think this is a very important moment for us to ensure that whatever we do we also elevate women in our sporting activities. It’s been a wonderful four days,” said Cllr Loyiso Masuku, MMC for group corporate and shared services.
The Sunshine Ladies Tour and Ladies European Tour travels to the Western Cape this week for the Investec South African Women’s Open at the Erinvale Country & Golf Estate.
Photo: Tyrone Winfield/Sunshine Ladies Tour
