First Slovenian winner in centenary year

History was made at the 100th R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship at Panmure, with the competition producing its first Slovenian winner.

Pia Babnik, 15, defeated Austria’s Isabella Holpfer 4&3 in windy conditions on the Angus links to triumph in Saturday’s 18-hole final.

It was Holpfer’s second consecutive appearance in the final after the 18-year-old lost out to compatriot Emma Spitz at Ardglass last year.

“I feel really great, not just because I won, but because I played really well,” said Babnik.

“Isabella played well, too, so it was just about luck and today I was luckier.

“The tee shot was important today because again it was really, really, really windy.

“If you hit it on the fairway and then your second on the green it was quite easy then just to putt. My putting was also good so everything worked for me today.

“It means a lot because it was a really tough week. I’m so excited to play in some great tournaments that come with winning here. I didn’t watch the crowd a lot but it was great to have so many people out watching us today.”

In the morning’s semi-finals, Babnik beat Euphemie Rhodes 3&2, while Holpfer got the better of Mia Sandtorv Lussand 4&2.

Babnik now receives exemptions into final qualifying for the 2020 Women’s British Open as well as the Women’s Amateur Championship at Kilmarnock (Barassie) and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship.

The Girls’ Amateur Championship was first played in 1919 and celebrated its centenary this year.

Four former champions were named in the European Solheim Cup team this week – Georgia Hall, Suzann Pettersen, Anna Nordqvist and Azahara Munoz.

The 2020 event will be played at Southport & Ainsdale from August 11 to 15.

France’s Tom Gueant won the Boys title beating Sweden’s Wilmer Edero at the first extra hole in the final at Saunton.

Pia Babnik: champion.