Golf: Canada comes up short at World Team Amateur

Canada couldn't hold on to its three-day lead and finished tied for second to conclude the Women's World Amateur Team Golf Championship in Puerto Rico on Saturday.
Sweden rallied with from a three-stroke deficit knocking Canada out of first place early then dominated the remainder of play finishing four-under for the day and a combined four-day total of 567.

Canada finished the tournament at 570 just three behind the Swedes and tied with the U.S. for second place. Canada matched its best finish at the World Amateur Team Championship, having placed second in 1966 and 1978.

Laura Matthews of Essex, Ont., led the Canadian team finishing tied for fourth in the individual standings carding a four-day score of 70-70-72-73--285 (-3).

“It's hard to complain about a second place finish, but it's very disappointing right now,” said a deflated Matthews following play. “We started the day on top and wanted to finish it off. I think that's what hurts the most.”

“We still had a chance on the back nine and we believed we could do it; but the Swedish girls were playing really incredible. They dropped a lot of long putts. It's just very disappointing right now.”

Mary Ann Lapointe of Georgetown , Ont., was the top Canuck on Saturday posting a par 72 to finish at 67-78-71-72—-288 (E). Lindsay Knowlton of Toronto , finished with a four-day total of 73-75-78-78—304 (+16)

“Obviously you want to win and we gave it our best shot,” said Lapointe, a seven-time World Amateur Team veteran. “You want it so bad and sometimes it just doesn't happen.”

“Our program has come a million miles since 2002,” said Dean Spriddle, coach of the Canadian team. “We are thrilled to achieve our goal and couldn't ask for anymore from these girls. We know we can win this tournament and look forward to 2006.”

The Women's World Amateur Team Championship is conducted by the International Golf Federation and is played every two years. South Africa will host the next World Amateur Team Championship in 2006.

Next week the men's World Amateur Team Championship will take place with Canada sending James Lepp of Abbotsford, B.C., Richard Scott of Kingsville, Ont., and Craig Doell of Victoria, B.C.. Play will take place Oct. 28 – 31 on the same course in Puerto Rico .

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