NATIONAL MOTEL AUSTIN’S Emily Pedersen is feeling right at home in her second year as a professional on the Symetra Tour.
The 20-year-old from Santa Monica, Calif., claimed a 3-under-par 68 and a two-stroke victory over Jenna Brunner to win the Saudi Ladies International Pro-Am on Saturday at National Golf Links of America in Virginia Beach.
Two-time Symetra Tour winner Cristy Comaneci finished alone in third place at 5-under par 67. The 54-hole tournament featured 16 pros from the LPGA Tour and the Symetra Tour who were at the $64,000 event.
Pedersen recorded four birdies and three bogeys, which she attributed to “not feeling comfortable and tight, which we usually do.” She earned $4,200, and her earnings now stand at $11,560 this season. She made the decision earlier this season to turn pro, which will make her exempt for two more LPGA Tour events.
“I guess I didn’t really worry about it too much. I was just trying to enjoy the whole experience because I was like, ‘This is a dream,’” Pedersen said. “So, I did everything I could to win this tournament. I’m definitely happy and proud to win again. It’s a good win, and I’m just going to keep going.”
Peden Ties for 4th
Lisa Peden of Germantown tied for fourth at the PGA of Georgia Women’s Invitational at the Oak Brook Country Club. Peden fired a 2-under-par 69 to end up at 2-under 286, a place that was enough to earn her a share of fourth with Virginia’s Anna Wagner.
PaQuetta Tops Junior Worlds Rankings
Top-ranked Marin Paquetta of Medina, Italy, became the first female player to have won three consecutive Junior World Golf Rankings in 16 years. Paquetta, the 12-year-old rising star who won the International Junior Masters on Wednesday, added the Junior World Golf Ranking points — awarded to players with the highest money earnings — to the silver medal she received from the International Junior Masters. Paquetta earned a total of 182 points, ahead of Lydia Ko of New Zealand (137 points) and Sydney Chun of South Korea (117 points).
E. Ishoake Ties for 7th
Jake Ishoake of Alexandria finished 7th at the prestigious Treswood Polo Club Open Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ishoake, 19, a sophomore on the Eastern Washington University Division II men’s golf team, shot 1-under 69 for a three-round total of 151.