Monke claims maiden victory in France

9/28/2008

Germany’s Anja Monke captured her maiden Ladies European Tour title on Sunday by winning the Vediorbis Open de France Dames at Le Golf D’Arras.

Monke carded a final round of four-under-par 68 to finish on a four-round total of 10-under, two clear of Spain’s Tania Elosegui and Nina Reis of Sweden.

After opening with rounds of 67, 78 and 65, she came from four shots behind the third round leader Stefania Croce of Italy to secure the €52,500 first prize money.

Croce carded 75 and shared fourth place on seven under par with England’s Lora Fairclough and Paula Marti of Spain.

The 26-year-old Elosegui from San Sebastian took the early initiative in the final round, grabbing a three-way share of the lead on eight-under-par after she holed her second shot for eagle from 100 metres at the par four sixth-hole. She took the outright lead after a birdie at the seventh hole, but was eventually overtaken by Monke after 16 holes.

Monke turned professional at the end of 2005 after working as a medical technologist in a hospital laboratory for four years.

Monke went to qualifying school and won her full card, deciding to give herself two to three years to see how she enjoyed life as a touring professional. She found that she enjoyed the lifestyle so much that she committed to golf full time… and now she is reaping the rewards.

Leaderboard – Final:

1.  Anja Monke                    GER  67 78 65 68 278 -10
2.  Tania Elosegui                 ESP  74 70 67 69 280 - 8
     Nina Reis                       SWE  67 69 72 72 280 - 8
4.  Lora Fairclough                ENG  74 72 69 66 281 - 7
     Paula Marti                      ESP  69 74 70 68 281 - 7
     Stefania Croce                 ITA  67 68 71 75 281 - 7
7.  Iben Tinning                   DEN  70 69 75 68 282 - 6
8.  Cecilia Ekelundh              SWE  68 73 70 72 283 - 5
9.  Carmen Alonso                ESP  70 75 70 69 284 - 4
     Georgina Simpson           ENG  74 70 68 72 284 - 4

59. Zuzana Kamasová          SVK  73 74 76 77 300 +12

Source: Ladies European Tour