adminThe Rhodesia Herald,
March 21, 1978
SOUTH African Sally Little came from behind to force a sudden death play-off in the Kathryn Crosby Classic golf tournament on Sunday and went on to win at the first extra hole and take the US$22 500 top prize.
Miss Little shot a final round seven-under-par 65 to finish in a tie with Nancy Lopez, who was trying for her third consecutive Ladies Professional Golf Association victory.
Lopez, who had a 68, first missed a four-metre birdie putt at the 18th hole that would have given her the title.
Then she left a five-metre putt short on the play-off hole. Little made a metre putt for a par four which gave her victory.
Both players trailed Australian Penny Pulz late in the tournament. But Pulz, three-putted on the final green while Lopez picked up a shot at the 16th hole and Little had birdies on 16 and 18.
Pulz also had a 68, giving her a total of 283. Pulz had two bogeys and six birdies in her closing round over the 6 000-metre Rancho Bernado golf course.
Pat Bradley, shooting her fourth straight even-par 72, finished in fourth place at 288. Three shots further back was Silvia Bertolaccini, who had a closing round 73.
Little (26) of Cape Town had only one previous win in her seven years on the LPGA tour.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Perseverance and hard work always pays. Sally Little had only won once in seven years before her second win.
A fortnight ago, we witnessed multi-talented boxer Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight interim gold champion.
It is not over until it’s over. It is important to save the best for last or to finish strong. Sally missed a few shots, but was able to come from behind and win the game.
Women can also be very competitive athletes like Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry. The game was only won after a tie and the players had to go for a play-off.
Professional golf is an elite and high value sport, which can earn players a lot of money.
Online Reporter