HARD SLOG PAYING OFF FOR COAST TEEN TYRO

KARIS Davidson calls herself a “Scaussie”, a golfing blend of her strong Scottish heritage and her love of the Australian flag she proudly represents from the Gold Coast.

Wherever her renowned work ethic came from in that mix, it’s paying off after a breakout performance in her first four-round tournament as a pro at the Victorian Open.

The teenager’s superb 67-71 finish last weekend to stay composed among a fleet of European Tour regulars and winner Minjee Lee earnt her second spot.

In one event, she won more ($58,000) than many battling young female pros have earned on the local tour over their first four seasons.

She fired 17 birdies in all and was the only golfer in the field to keep a bogey off her card over the final 36 holes in the breeze.

The money will pay the bills for next month’s bold adventure on the Japanese tour but going shot-for-shot with Lee and Hannah Green in the final group on Sunday may be worth more.

“I felt really calm all through that last round and, of course, I was watching Hannah and Minjee and picking up little things from two girls who play in the US,” Davidson, 19, said.

Next stop is the Women’s Aussie Open at Kooyonga in Adelaide from Thursday week.