US win powers Sagstrom form
TOURNAMENT leader Madelene Sagstrom is confident she has put herself in a position to make it consecutive wins on the LPGA Tour after another brilliant round in the Vic Open yesterday.
Sagstrom broke through for her maiden tour victory at the Boca Rio Golf Club in Florida on Australia Day, catapulting from 106 in the world to No.55.
The Swede shot five-under on the Beach course yesterday to be at 13-under going into the weekend, one shot clear of American Ally McDonald.
A win at Thirteenth Beach would do wonders for Sagstrom’s career and she said she had been pleased with her ability to back up her strong form from the US.
“Winning definitely gives you the biggest confidence boost ever, so I think I have done really well to keep it going this week,” she said.
“I am really confident and I am trusting my game and decisions, so I am really happy.
“I think when you come off such a high you don’t know what to expect, so I am happy I have put myself in the position I have and have been able to keep up some really good play, especially rolling it really nicely on the greens.”
Sagstrom was joined by golf legends Karrie Webb and Dame Laura Davies in her opening two rounds but outplayed both as she set a cracking pace on the front nine.
The 27-year-old hit five birdies and only had one bogey to start her round before finishing with two birdies and a bogey on the back.
She said remaining patient after the hot start had held her in good stead during the afternoon.
“It was fun,” Sagstrom said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect going from the Creek to the Beach because I know the Beach is a little bit more challenging so I wanted to be patient and let it come to me.
“I know there is good golf in my system right now because I have good form, but I think just taking it one shot a time, really committing to everything and . . . getting out of that worry zone is when I know I am playing well.”