News: Maria Elena Villamil wins the Spanish International Lady Junior

She defeated Noora Tamminen on hole 17.

Maria Elena with her coach and father

Congratulations to Maria Elena Villamil from Madrid who has won the International Lady Junior Championship played at La Cala Resort in Mijas, Malaga.

This was a remarkable success for the 17-year old who only qualified for the matchplay stages of the event in 32nd and last position in a play-off held after two rounds of strokeplay. In the first round of matches she defeated the leading qualifier, Celine Boutier from France and continued her fine play all the way to the final where she had a 3&1 win over Noora Tamminen from Tammer Golf in Finland.

Players from six countries contested the event played on Campo America, one of three 18-hole courses in the resort, which is the largest in Spain.

Maria Elena was thrilled to secure the title. “This was my first time playing in La Cala. I played regularly enough in the strokeplay rounds but my putting greatly improved in the matchplay. I really enjoyed the course, which was in excellent condition and the speed of the greens was very good. This autumn I am planning on starting a university course in association with the Federation in Madrid and before then I will be playing in the major amateur competitions in Spain and overseas.”

The runner-up, 19-year old Noora Tamminen was also loud in her praise of the course. “I liked it a lot. It was physically demanding to play two rounds on the same day but it was also enjoyable. The condition of the course was great and I really liked the greens. Although I wanted to win I’m satisfied with second. I intend to turn pro in the future and in October I am hoping to represent Finland in the World Championships in Argentina.”

Noora was one of 10 Finnish players who played in the competition. They are on a national training camp in Spain. Other countries represented were: England, France, Portugal, the Czech Republic as well as most of the Spanish regions.

Mabel Pascual del Pobil, Sports Director of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, who organised the tournament, said it was a great test of golf for the participants. “It is an incredible course that forces the players to use all the clubs in the bag. It tests their course management skills and is ideal for matchplay. As ever in La Cala the organisation of the event and the welcome were phenomenal. Everyone associated with the tournament is delighted.

The last time the event was held in La Cala was in 2007 and the winner Julie Greciet went on to qualify for the Ladies European Tour.

Published: 09/05/10