Shepley, Kane kick things off Down Under
Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:08:38
Canadians Jessica Shepley and Lorie Kane both finished in the top 10 in their season debuts on the Australian Ladies Professional Golf Tour.
Shepley of Oakville, Ont., placed eighth at the Royal Canberra Ladies Classic on Sunday, 10 shots behind winner Karen Lunn of Australia.
Kane of Charlottetown was another shot further back, sharing ninth place with U.S. up-and-comer Jessica Korda. The Canadian veteran opened the 54-hole event at Royal Canberra Golf Club with a five-over 78 but clawed her way up the leaderboard with a 69 Saturday and 71 Sunday.
Nancy Harvey, a retired LPGA Tour player from Saskatchewan who now lives and teaches in Australia, tied for 42nd place.
Lunn, who played Royal Canberra often as a junior, broke free of the pack during the second round with a seven-under 66. Although she faced some pressure Sunday from runner-up Vicky Thomas, a fellow Australian who had three birdies and an eagle on the back nine, Lunn ultimately cruised to a four-shot victory.
It was the 15th worldwide title for Lunn, winner of the Women's British Open in 1997.
