Golf: Second LET title for Marianne Skarpnord

Two-time winner in 2009 Marianne Skarpnord. Photo: www.ladieseuropeantour.com.

Norway’s Marianne Skarpnord rolled in a six foot birdie putt at the third playoff hole to clinch her second Ladies European Tour victory at the Carta Si Ladies Italian Open in Milan.

The 23-year-old from Sarpsborg defeated England’s Laura Davies after she holed a 35 foot uphill putt for eagle at the 459-yard par-five 18th hole in regulation play. The pair shared the day two lead and carded matching final rounds of 69 to finish on 12-under-par 204 at Golf Club Le Rovedine.

Despite an early final round charge from Davies, Skarpnord caught the 72-time champion over the back nine. Skarpnord went to the turn in 39 and was six strokes behind Davies with nine holes to play. She overcame the deficit with four birdies and an eagle for an inward total of 30 strokes.

She explained how her boyfriend Petter Enger, who is also her caddie, helped her to produce some of the best golf of her life. ”I played good on the back nine every day. Petter said when we turned at the ninth and I was three over he said, “Okay the back nine is your host; we can play great there.” I like the holes and I did.”

With her prize winnings of €30,000, Skarpnord moved up to fourth place on the Henderson Money List, just behind Becky Brewerton, which should ensure a tense battle over the next two tournaments in China and Korea.  Skarpnord was also handed a week’s holiday for two to Mauritius on account of her win, which she added will allow her to escape from her snow covered home in Norway this winter.

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