WITH a beer in one hand and celebratory handshakes occuring in the other, France's Joanna Klatten had all but wrapped up her maiden professional victory with one hole to go at last weekend's Women's Victoria Open.
Or so everyone thought.
The 26-year-old would have to anxiously wait after a remarkable eagle on the 18th hole from South Korean Haeji Kang that forced a play-off.
''I finished with two shots in the lead on the last hole and basically when I was done, everybody started congratulating me,'' she said.
''I was trying to tell everyone that Kang could still hole her shots and nobody took me seriously, even the match referee shook my hand and told me I'd be fine.
''My friend handed me a Corona [beer] that I started drinking and suddenly I heard the crowd being loud and found out she [Kang] had got an eagle. I had to quickly put down the beer, chug as much water as I could, and then grab my clubs for a few swings before the play-off holes.''
Fortunately for Klatten the alcohol did no harm to her strokeplay, with the French native going on to beat Kang on the second play-off hole and officially record her first tournament victory.
Both women are set to face off again at the Royal Canberra Ladies Classic on Friday.
Klatten could not be more excited to make the trek to the nation's capital after her thrilling breakthrough win.
''It's my first time in Australia and I'm absolutely loving it,'' she said.
''I've heard so many great things about Canberra and can't wait to get there.
''I had a lot of people telling me before I came to Australia that they've been here and never wanted to go back home and now I know why.
''I love the people here, everyone is so friendly and laidback.''
Klatten was talked into touring Australia by Victorian golfer and friend Stacey Keating who will also compete in Canberra.
The tournament is set to feature a number of internationally renowned players such as Canada's Lorie Kane, England's Laura Davies and Canberra's own Nikki Campbell. Klatten was not daunted about the prospect of facing some of the world's best women golfers and is convinced that she can produce another memorable performance Down Under. ''I kind of knew that I'd have a good time in Australia, but it's been much better than I could've imagined,'' she said.
''It's only my second year as a professional and it's unbelievable to get that first tournament win.
''The courses in Victoria were great and I've heard great things too about Royal Canberra so it just keeps getting better and better.''
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