CHESHIRE’S Rachael Goodall followed up her record breaking score in LET Access Series history by winning the Ribiera Sacra Partimonio de la Humanidad International Ladies Open – her second career win.
She claimed a two-shot victory over Italy’s Lucrezia Colombotto Rozzo, playing with her in the last group as the final pair both posted two-under par rounds of 68.
Goodall made a nervy start to the final round with a bogey on the first. But the edgy beginning didn’t last long however as the 28-year-old quickly found her form with birdies on the third and fifth to move under par for the day – and reach the halfway point at 10-under.
The overnight leader reached 11-under par to seal her victory, following a breath-taking second round of 61 by the Liverpool fan, who clearly has been taking inspiration by her Anfield heroes’ Champions League victory in May.
Colombotto Rosso reached the turn even par for the day, falling further behind Goodall at the midway point.
After a bogey at the second and then crucially at the fifth, where Goodall birdied, the Italian’s chances were looking slim.
The young Italian did not give up and rallied at the end of the front nine with consecutive birdies at holes eight and nine to claw her way back into contention – three adrift of leader Goodall.
On the back nine, Colombotto Rosso exhibited more of the fine golf she’s played throughout the week with no dropped shots and birdies at 11 and 14 seeing the 23-year-old home with a two-under 68, –9 for the tournament.
It was not to be for the young Italian however as Wallasey’s Goodall held her form down the stretch, matching her playing partner’s final round of 68.
The win was Goodall’s second LET Access Series win following success at the Turfman Allerum Open, in Sweden, last year.
The 28-year-old was understandably delighted to record a second victory in as many years on the tour.
Goodall said: “I’m really pleased that I’m able to back up my win here last year – and it’s even more special because I’ve never been leading going into the final day.
Rachael said that her putting was the key, adding: “ I played well last week but I didn’t hole anything. I worked really hard on it and made a couple of changes going into this week – and they worked.”
The win was made even more special as the Cheshire-based golfer – now in her sixth season as a pro – recorded a stunning nine-under round of 61 in the second round at Augus Santas – the lowest score in LET Access Series history.
Goodall revealed: “I lost count on the back nine – I had no idea I’d shot 61 but that was really special. I hit a lot of good shots and holed everything.
“I missed one short one but holed everything I had on the back nine,” added the former England Golf performance squad member.
•The LET Access Series remains in Spain this week with the Santander Golf Tour LETAS Valencia 2019 taking place from July 17-19 at the Club de Golf Escorpion.
The event will see the best from the LET Access Series in the field with players of the Santander Tour playing for a prize fund of €35,000 and crucial points in the Race to LaLaurgue up for grabs.
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