Emily Kristine Pedersen completed a remarkable two weeks to scoop all three prizes that were up for grabs at the first Ladies Professional Golf Championship in Saudi Arabia.
The Danish star was crowned the first winner of the $1million Aramco Saudi Ladies International last week, and on Thursday, she completed the sweep by taking both the Team and individual prizes in the Saudi Ladies Team International at the Royal Greens and Country Club.
Pedersen, 24, also sealed this season’s Ladies European Tour’s Race to Costa Del Sol rankings.
“I obviously really, really like the course here,” Pedersen said. “Our tactics were great for the two weeks and we stuck to it.
“I can’t believe what’s happened this season. I was confident I could get back to where I was but I couldn’t imagine that it would be like this.
“It’s been a strange year for all of us with Covid-19 but while everyone’s saying it is the worst year, I’m having the best year ever, so that’s a little weird but I am really happy.”
Team Pedersen – consisting of Scott Michele Thomson and South African Cassandra Hall and amateur Matt Selby – snatched victory in the team event with a closing birdie on the 18th to finish on 40-under par and a share of $97,500 for the professionals.
“It’s been unbelievable, I was absolutely delighted when I heard Emily picked me,” said Thomson.
“She’s one of the best players I think I’ve ever played with and we just wanted to make some birdies out there today.
"Although I am about ten years older than her, I have learnt a lot from her and I’ve gained a great friend this week.”
Team Kyriacou (Stephanie Kyriacou, Pia Babnik, Manon Gidali) and Team De Roey (Manon De Roey, Eleanor Givens, Linette Littau Durr Holmslykke) finished one back on 39-under for a share of second.
Pedersen’s final round 67 sealed victory at 14-under to finish two shots head of Kyriacou, Anne Van Dam and Luna Sobron Galmes.
Kyriacou, 19, capped an impressive display by setting a new course record with a brilliant 63 that included two eagles and five birdies.
The Australian, who was an amateur at the beginning of the year, all but sealed the Rookie of the Year prize with her performance.
“It was a obviously a great day,” she said. “I started with a birdie, wanted to keep the momentum going then holed out on the 14 and then chipped in on the last for eagle which was a great way to finish the year.”
The English trio of Charley Hull (-9), Eleanor Given (-8) and Georgia Hall (-8) all shot 68s to finish their Saudi Arabian debuts strongly.
