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Australia’s Stacey Keating came from behind to win the 2012 Tenerife Open de Espana Femenino on Sunday, her first win on the Ladies European Tour.  The young australian trailed by 1 stroke coming up the 17th fairway during the final round at Golf las Americas, but held her nerve over the final two holes in regulation to secure a playoff with Germany’s Caroline Masson.

link:  DogLegMedia’s Open Femenino tournament photos

Stacey Keating celebrating her playoff winning putt on the 18th green at Golf las Americas during the 2012 Tenerife Open de Espana Femenino

For those who haven’t been to a Ladies European Tour tournament recently, it was again a thrilling finish to another fantastic tournament at another gorgeous venue.  Lots of superlatives to say, but it’s the how we certainly saw it.

Stacey Keating reading the 18th green in front of the clubhouse at Golf las Americas during the final round of the 2012 Open Femenino

Several players were in the mix for the title on the final day including Nikki Garrett, Celine Palomar, and former Solheim Cup stars Tania Elosegui and Trish Johnson.  Trish, the winner at the 2010 Tenerife Ladies Open, was in fact really on the edge of making it a three way playoff, but her putt finished just shy (about an inch) from the cup on the 17th.  You could just see that she knew she needed that one to fall to have a chance.

Caroline Masson teeing off from the 18th during the final round of the 2012 Open Femenino

In the end, however,  it wasn’t at all about the putts that may have missed, the real story was about a great young golfer emerging to win the event.  Fantastic birdie finish on the playoff hole, truely Stacey’s win rather than anyone’s loss.  A fitting end for Stacey’s first win on the Ladies European Tour.  Congrats Stacey !!

Nikki Garrett hitting from a difficult lie along the ninth fairway during the 2nd round at the 2012 Open Femenino

Other Notes & Backstories

Conditions at Golf las Americas changed over the course of the week.  Rounds one & two, sunny & warm, very light wind, greens softish from watering, but relatively quick.  Rounds three & four, swirling winds which gradually increased, firmer but slower greeens (less water).  Split tees were used for rounds 1, 2, and 4.  Everyone started from the 1st tee during the 3rd round.

After the 1st round, the consensus view was that the tournament was headed toward a winning score of somewhere around -20.  And of course that view changed quickly on day two…

Great showing all week by Celine Palomar, likely the 1st LET tournament where she has appeared at the top of the leaderboard.  She’s been working hard with coach Vincente Ballesteros and the hard work and attention to detail is starting to show.  Well played Celine !

Felt terrible for rising star Joanna Klatten, who had to battle a skin rash in the searing heat during the final round.  Had been in contention through the first three rounds, but really there are few things less comfortable than having that kind of condition in high sun and 32 degree heat.  Totally admire her toughness.  She’s most definitely one to watch.

Young Czech star Klara Spilkova missed the cut by just a stroke, but has been battling a (recently diagnosed) virus for much of her rookie year.  No doubt that she’ll bounce back now that she’s getting proper treatment and much-needed rest.  She’s got a great team around her in manager Monika and caddie Misha.  Best wishes for a speedy recovery Klara !

Was great to see both Beautell sisters out competing.  Sara & Maria are both great people – very popular on tour.  Sara’s partner, talented local videographer Lolo Sanchez was helping her out on the bag all week.  Gotta love Lolo.

Sara Beautell reading the 11th green during the final round of the 2012 Open Femenino

Saw several golfers who competed both at the Fourqueux Ladies Open (LET Access) and the Open Femenino including France’s Marion Ricordeau, South Africa’s Monique Smit and Sweden’s Viva Schlasberg.  All incredibly talented, never get tired of cheering them on.  Looking forward to seeing their results in the remaining 2012 european tournaments.

Enjoyed watching LET rookie Charlotte Ellis.  Her third cut made of the year.  Looked poised, confident all week.  Had also impressed last year on the LET Access Series (official feeder tour to the LET).   Another one to watch, deserves more starts.

Charlotte Ellis teeing off from the 1st during the final round of the 2012 Open Femenino

Many of the Ladies European Tour and LET Access Series players are now out there in the social media, on Twitter and with Fan Pages on Facebook.  To follow the womens pros on Twitter, follow them individually or simply subscribe to our consolidated (@PoodleGolf) list.

Muchas Gracias a todos

Lots of people to thank for their hospitality and friendship in Tenerife – Deportes en Business (tournament organizers), Golf las Americas (host venue), Iberostar Grand Hotel Anthelia (official hotel), Tenerife Magazine/John Beckley, SirOldGolfer Bill, twitter wiz @MikeBelindo, and fellow photographers & media center buddies.   Great to see all of you there (as always).