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Reid finally realises her potential to claim first victory

WOMEN’S TOUR TURKISH OPEN: ENGLAND’S MELISSA Reid finally entered the winner’s circle yesterday with a two-stroke victory at…

Mon May 10 2010 - 01:00

WOMEN'S TOUR TURKISH OPEN:ENGLAND'S MELISSA Reid finally entered the winner's circle yesterday with a two-stroke victory at the Turkish Open.

Reid (23), from Derby, played with poise and authority at National Golf Club in Belek, Antalya, to close with a 74 and finish at three under, ahead of Denmark’s Iben Tinning (74) and Christel Boeljon from the Netherlands (72).

It was a significant win against a field of competitors that included Laura Davies.

Reid had been knocking on the door since her first full season as a professional in 2008 and had finished second four times, having twice squandered leads going into the final round.

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She denied feeling any pressure from other’s expectations.

“Obviously I’m aware of it but it’s more the pressure that I put on myself,” she said. “Now I know that even when I don’t play well on the back nine, I can still pull off shots, even when the pressure’s on. It’s just a fantastic feeling. It’s great to feel that I can win, even without an A game.”

Reid took a two-shot lead into the final round and made a flying start with a birdie at the tough par three second, which has an island green.

She split the fairways with her drives and found all the greens before going on to post a second birdie at the par-four eighth, opening a four-shot lead.

That margin was cut to two after she dropped shots at the 10th and 12th and Tinning had birdied the 12th.

After she three-putted the long 15th, she held a one-shot advantage over Boeljon, who then dropped a shot at the par-four 17th.

Reid then sealed the win with a par on the water-lined 18th hole.

It was Reid’s first time working with caddie Lee Griffiths, and she added: “He got better during the week. He got to know me. Hopefully it’s going to be a great relationship between us and we can win many tournaments together.”

Joint runner-up spot for Boeljon was her best finish in two seasons on the LET.

Ireland’s Hazel Kavanagh finished in a tie for eighth place on three over after a 75. Rebecca Coakley was a shot further back after a 74 and Alison Walshe was on five over after shooting 75.