Northland golfer Caroline Bon had her top payday as a professional yesterday with a share of 15th place in the New Zealand Open at the Pegasus Golf Course in Christchurch.
But it could have been so much better for the Whangarei 23-year-old who started the day in 10th place after firing
four birdies on the back nine to card a one-under 71 on Saturday.
After a steady start yesterday Bon improved into eighth place on the leaders' board after a birdie on the par-four fourth hole.
A bogey on the ninth hole cost her momentum and as the wind intensified she fired three more bogeys on the 10th, 12th and 14th to limp home with a three-over total of 75, her first over-par round of the tournament.
Her four-round total of two-under 286, saw her finish as the top Kiwi professional, with only 13-year-old North Harbour amateur sensation Lydia Ko beating her on the course with a seven-under 271 seeing her finish in fourth place.
Bon's result is her best to date at a major tournament.
Conditions proved difficult for many of the golfers during the final round with winds strengthening in the late morning.
Overnight leader Giulia Sergas of Italy dropped five shots in her first three holes, before recovering to finish four-over for the day. Sergas finished the tournament in second equal with American Tiffany Joh on nine-under.
The only other Kiwi to make the cut was Pakaranga amateur Celia Cho shot an even par round to finish the open on two-over.
