The meteoric rise of young West Aussie Kirsten Rudgeley continues at pace.
The 17-year-old finished runner-up overnight in the English Girls’ Open Amateur Championship at East Devon Golf Club, despite being the only non-European player in the field.
Rudgeley couldn’t match it with eventual winner Celina Rosa Sattelkau, with the German finishing three shots clear after a closing four-under-par 70.
If not for a nervous start of 78, Rudgeley may well have been holding the trophy aloft, going 11-under through her final three rounds. Blistering scores of 71,71 and 69 shot the Wanneroo youngster into contention, firing five birdies and an eagle in the final round to finish seven under overall, just three off the pace and one of only four players under par.
Despite not capturing the elusive English crown, Rudgeley was pleased with her week and vastly enjoyed the experience.
“It’s definitely a lot different to back home,” Rudgeley said with a laugh.
“I didn’t start as well as I could have, but I was really happy to fight back over the last three rounds.”
“The course was great and a big challenge throughout the week.”
The WA women’s captain has been plying her trade in the UK for more than a month and with consistency creeping into her game, a win may be just around the corner for the junior star.
Rudgeley finished as a quarter-finalist in the English Women’s Open Match Play Championship early in July, showing her class in the opening stroke play rounds to enter as the No.1 seed.
Rudgeley will complete her UK tour with a trip to Northern Ireland where she will play the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship, starting 14 August.
