KINGSVILLE, Ont. — Coming to Canada proved to be a shrewd career move for Sydnee Michaels.Like most college graduates, the 22-year-old UCLA product is busy plotting the rest of her life, and this past week her path swung through Kingsville Golf and Country Club, where Michaels dropped in to win the 2010 Royale Cup Canadian Women’s Amateur championship.
Along with the trophy and accolades she received after holding off a stiff challenge from fellow Californian Danielle Kang in Friday’s final round, Michaels also earned a valuable exemption into the LPGA’s CN Women’s Open next month in Winnipeg.
“I came here to win and to play in that (LPGA) event and I got it done,” Michaels, who hopes to turning professional later this year, said after carding an even-par 72 to finish 9-under 279 for the tournament, good enough for a two-stroke victory over Kang.
Canadian national team member Sara Maude Juneau of Fossambault, Que., was third at 4-under, followed by 14-year-old Casie Cathrea at 3-under and fellow American Jaclyn Sweeney, who finished fifth at even-par 288.
Michaels started her day with a four-shot lead over Kang, but it quickly evaporated with an unplayable lie at No. 3 that led to double bogey and another bogey at No. 4. Birdies by Kang at Nos. 1 and 4 combined with Michaels’ misadventures suddenly put Kang in front by a stroke.
It was the first time all week Michaels hadn’t led the championship.
“I had a couple of rough holes on the front nine and I was starting to go downhill,” said the 22-year-old.
Three holes later, she regained her composure and a share of the lead when she stuck an iron tight at No. 8 and sank a five-footer for birdie.
The 10th hole could have been a two-shot swing in Kang’s favour when she left herself a six-footer for birdie while Michaels was off the back with a ticklish chip to a sloping green.
Michaels saved par from 10 feet while Kang missed her putt.
“I didn’t trust my line,” Kang said of the pivotal miss. “I started off really well. My plan was to start off with a few birdies and shake her a bit and it did, but after the turn I missed a few putts.”
Michaels regained the lead for good with a birdie at No. 14, where Kang rammed an eagle putt five feet past and then added insult to injury by missing the comebacker.
Michaels pumped her first in the air after draining a long putt for birdie at 17 and a three-shot cushion coming home.
“That was also a crucial putt because it gave me a lot of breathing room,” said Michaels.
“It feels great, awesome (to win). I’m very proud and very honoured.
“I’m so excited to come up (to Canada) again next month.”
Also today, Beach Grove’s Erica Rivard is the top local golfer in a tie for 31st. She is plus two through 11 holes and plus 14 overall.
Kingsville’s Alyssa Getty moved into a tie for 53rd place with a 75 today. She is 22 over overall after shooting rounds of 79, 79, 77 and 75.
Amherstburg’s Cheryll Damphouse is tied for 65th at 26-over par. She had a 82 today.
Laura DeMarco of Essex is tied for 65th at 26-over par. She had a 79 today.
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