Kelsey Bennett Snares Maiden Tour Win

Mollymook’s Kelsey Bennett secured her first tour win at the Hauts de France Pas de Calais Golf Open after winning a one-hole play-off.

The 24-year-old sunk a 35 foot birdie to take victory over Switzerland’s Anais Maggetti and England’s Billie-Jo Smith.“This win means a lot; I missed the cut at the Rose Ladies Open last week and I was wanting the week off but I spoke to my team and they pushed me to come and play this week because a win can give you so many points on the leaderboard.

"So now I’ve done it, it feels really good.”Conditions this week have been tough and for Bennett’s side of the draw she had to come back to complete her second round today after play was suspended yesterday.“I thought that we got the rough end of the draw, but it is what it is. Obviously playing all that time in the rain was not fun.

“So, I was just so glad I got the chance to finish it this afternoon.”Bennett is accompanied by friend and LET player Michele Thomson this week and the duo are making a good team.Yet Thomson is in hot demand, with the player set to caddy Gemma Clews next week at La Sella where Bennett is also teeing it up.

“I think we’ve worked well together. I’m sad that she’s caddying Gemma next week. Maybe Gemma will hand her over for the week. “We have a flight to catch at 8, so I think it will be a celebration in the car.“I haven’t played La Sella before but I’ve heard great things about it. So, I’m really looking forward to it. This week is great for the confidence.”

Spain’s Elena Hualde and Iceland’s Gudrun Bjorgvinsdottir finished tied fourth on three-under-par after strong second rounds.