Steph Kyriacou has all but sealed the Ladies European Tour rookie of the year title after flying home with a course-record 63 at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club on the way to an equal second in the Saudi Ladies Team International.
Kyriacou finished just two shots back Dane Emily Pedersen, courtesy of a chip-in eagle on the last to finish in a tie for second alongside Dutch star Ann Van Dam and the overnight leader Luna Sobron.
Pederson, courtesy fo her clean sweep in the Saudi series, has locked up the tour’s Race to Costa del Sol crown.
Kyriacou however, wasn’t there to make up the numbers on the final day.
After birdies on the 10th and 12th, an eagle on the par-four 14th set the wheels in motion for the St Michael’s star to go really low. Three more birdies on the 4th,6th and 8th left her in reach of the course record with just the ninth to play.
And she didn’t disappoint.
“It was a good day on the golf course,” Kyriacou said post-round.
“I started with a birdie, and then I iknd of had another birdie and then a hole out so I had some good momentum at the start.”
” I chipped in on nine, which was a good way to finish.
“I had to play good in front of the cameras; I can’t embarras myself,” she smiled.
⭐️ NEW COURSE RECORD ⭐️
— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) November 19, 2020
Eagle finish?
6⃣3⃣ nine under ?
Moves to -12 ✅@Stephkyriacou2 finishes in style ?#SaudiLadiesTeamIntl | #RaiseOurGame pic.twitter.com/mmYKetjF8i
The Saudi placing caps an impressive run of results since August for Kyriacou. With her season now all but over, Kyriacou is already planning for the future.
“It has been a roller-coaster and a big learning curve as well. (With COVID) we’ve had flights cancelled and plans rearranged, so it’s been an up and down year.
“Everything has worked out for the best, and I have had a good year. I am really happy with how I have gone.
“I have achieved more than I expected too, so I’m stoked.
“Hopefully everything is back to normal, but I’m going to set some higher goals next year.”
Despite her obvious joy at her performances this year, Kyriacou said it might pale into insignificance to what she has planned for when she arrives home and completes quarantine in about a fortnight.
“I’m going to my favourite cafe and get a nice coffee. I can’t wait.
“Get to see my dog and my family.
“I just miss being at home,” she smiled.
