Morales Shows Strong in First Links Test

Nicole Morales at Royal St. George's    photo courtesy of the DOY.

Nicole Morales, the 17-year-old standout playing out of GlenArbor GC, was the highest-finishing girl player and tied for fourth overall in the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy played at Royal St. George's in Sandwich, England this week. Boys and girls compete for the same trophy in this event. Her 221 total strokes for three rounds over the British Open venue represents another stellar performance for her this year.

Morales carded 75-76-70 during her first try at links golf. "It was very tough, very windy. I found it was a mental grind, especially as I have never played links style golf before," said Morales. “On the whole I played very well. It was all about staying patient and never giving up. You can hit a great shot but one wrong bounce and the ball can go anywhere. I guess that’s links golf.

The invitational tournament featured a field of 55 boys and girls aged 18 and under who are either national champions or have won a significant event. This year, 31 countries were represented. Morales won the Thunderbird International Girls Championship in May. The winner was Italian Guido Migliozzi.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf