SUZANN WINS SAS MASTERS BY NINE
STROKES ON HOME SOIL IN NORWAY


FROM THE LADIES' EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE

Norway’s Suzann Pettersen recorded a resounding nine-stroke victory at the SAS Masters on home soil at Losby Golf Club today.
The 26-year-old Solheim Cup star, who is sixth in the Rolex World Rankings, began as the favourite at the golf course, which is nestled in a scenic valley on the northern tip of Oslo's forest to the east known as Østmarka.
She proved the bookies right by posting a course record eight-under-par 64 in the first round to take a four stroke lead in the 54-hole Ladies European Tour event. After playing to par in windy conditions in the second round, she entered the final round with a five stroke lead and eventually won the 30,000 Euros top prize with a total of 12-under par after a final round 68.
“It’s been a fantastic year and my third win of the year at home, I couldn’t ask for more. It feels great and it was nice to actually play well today and shoot my numbers,” she said.
“I’ve been in my own bubble all week and it’s been working well. I just try to complete the mission; not to get too excited at the end and not actually knowing what the total score was so it was fun.
“Coming home, you can give something back to Norwegian golfers. The juniors come and learn and hopefully we will get more juniors playing.”
She also promised to come back and defend her title in 2008. Testament to the challenge of the course and conditions was the fact that only three other players scored below par in the tournament.
Australia’s Nikki Garrett, who won the Tenerife and Spanish Ladies Opens in May, finished outright second on three-under-par after a 71. Meanwhile Pettersen’s playing partner Anja Monke of Germany and Italy’s Diana Luna tied for third on one-under after they both carded 74.
It was Pettersen’s third victory of the year and her fourth career win in total. She won the Michelob Ultra on the LPGA Tour in May followed by her first major championship at the McDonald's LPGA Championship in June. It was her second victory on the LET after her first career win at the Ladies French Open in 2001, her rookie year.
Her nine shot victory was the biggest winning margin on the LET in 2007. Gwladys Nocera of France previously held the record. having won the KLM Ladies Open in the Netherlands by seven strokes.
“I think I got a lot out of my game. I got my putter working again so that’s really nice, especially with The Solheim coming up. I’m really pleased,” Pettersen added.
She will remain in Norway for the next two weeks, before playing in her next tournament, The Solheim Cup at Halmstad Golfklubb in Sweden, from September 14 to 16.
Garrett, who recorded her best finish since May, said: “We were playing for second today really, with Suzann being so far in front. I am happy just to shoot under par again.
“I have been struggling in a way, and I wanted to have a good finish before I go back to Australia and prepare for the LPGA Qualifying School. I feel like my game’s getting better and I’m striking the ball like I usually do, so that always helps.”

LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 216
204 S Pettersen (Nor) 64 72 68.
213 N Garrett (Aus) 69 73 71.
215 Diana Luna (Ita) 69 72 74, Anja Monke (Ger) 68 73 74.