Clare Queen claims eighth place in Australian Open

Mar 4 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Clare Queen

COATBRIDGE golfer Clare Queen bounced back from an early disappointment to record her second-best career finish.

The 25-year-old claimed eighth place in the Australian Open recently at the Metropolitan Club in Melbourne after failing to make the cut at the ANZ Masters.

The former St Ambrose High School pupil finished one under par after carding scores of 70, 75, 72 and 74 in her four rounds out on the course.

Clare eventually ended the competition six shots behind overall winner, Laura Davies.

And her result was an immediate return on a winter of hard work alongside coach Ian Rae.

“I don’t think I have ever played so well from tee to green so I have taken lots of confidence from this result,” said Clare.

“It was very exciting to start the final round with a chance to win.

“I’m very pleased with this result and it sets me up very well to go and really challenge for wins this year.”

Clare is starting her fourth season as a Ladies’ European Tour golfer but the current financial climate has meant she is without a regular caddy.

And she admits it is an issue she is hoping to address before the European Nations Cup gets underway in April.

She explained: “It’s just a fact that we have to rely on the investment of sponsors to fund around £60,000 to cover our tour expenses.

“Prize money is improving but without sponsorship, a player would have to finish at least 25th on the tour just to break even.

“I played in the ANZ Masters without a caddy and missed the cut, and it really hit home then about how important it is to have a good caddy.

“For the Australian Open, I made a decision to forget about the cost and employ a caddy, and we will be working to fill the funding gap ready for the start of the season.”