Samantha Richdale
Tsawwassen, B.C. – Samantha Richdale overcame a rough start for a final round 73 to claim the season-opening event on the CN Canadian Women's Tour.
The Kelowna, B.C., golfer bogeyed two of her first six holes at Beach Grove Golf Club in Tsawwassen, B.C. before finishing with three birdies and two more bogeys for a four shot win over Brooke Henderson. With the win, Richdale earns an exemption into this summer's CN Canadian Women's Open in Edmonton.
"This is pretty awesome, that was my main reason to come out and play at these CN Events was to get that exemption," said Richdale. "I'm really excited to be able to go play in Edmonton because I used to live in St. Albert so it will be fun to go back there."
Henderson, the 15-year-old from Smiths Falls, Ont., had two birdies over her final five holes for a final round 72 to claim low amateur honours.
Team Canada's Augusta James of Bath, Ont., bogeyed her final hole and slipped into a tie for third with Simin Feng.
SooBin Kim of Coquitlam, B.C. rounded out the top five with a round of 71.
Defending champion Jisoo Keel of Coquitlam, B.C. recovered from an opening round 80 with a final round 72 to finish in a tie for 30th.
The next stop on the CN Canadian Women's Tour takes place at Club de golf Cowansville in Cowansville, Que. on June 10th with the season finale scheduled a week later at Ambassador Golf Course in Windsor, Ont. Once again, exemptions into the CN Canadian Women's Open will be on the line.
As well, the top two players on the season-ending Order of Merit, not otherwise exempt, will also gain entry into Canada's national championship for women.
The top three players on the money list will also get direct entry into Stage 2 of LPGA Qualifying School this fall.