(Machynys Peninsula G&CC, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire – August 14 2005) England’s Kirsty Taylor completed a wire-to-wire victory to claim her first professional title at the Wales Ladies Championship of Europe at Machynys Peninsula G&CC.

Kirsty on the 18th green

Taylor, who carded a Tour record in the first round with a 61, the lowest in LET history, had her husband Alastair acting as caddy for the week and also credited her sports psychologist Karl Morris for her mental toughness.

“He gave me a few thoughts out there and it seems to have made a huge difference,” she said.

There was a near collapse when the Lancashire woman, who is originally from Clitheroe, dropped four shots in a row from the ninth to be level with Johnson at twelve under par after 12 holes.

She recovered, however, with birdies at the 14th and 15th holes to gain her outright lead, which she kept until the last putt went in.

“Fourteen was huge,” she admitted, after despatching a downhill putt from 25 feet.

“I was more despondent at 13 than at 12 after I didn’t hole the putt there. Alastair just gave me a good talking to and said, ‘you’re tied for the lead. You’d have taken that on Thursday morning. Just stick in there and keep going’.” She did.

After 14 she sank a putt from eight feet at the 15th for her next birdie and from then on, par was good enough to see her to victory.

“I was really relaxed until that last putt went in and it was great to play with Trish. She was desperate for Solheim points as well out there, so it was very enjoyable,” she said.

“Trish has been hard on my heels all week. Her and Laura were the ones I was worried about.”

Laura Davies