Rookie Nuria Iturrios edges out Florentyna Parker to win Lalla Meryem Cup in Rabat
Sunday 8 May 2016 21:40, UK
Spanish rookie Nuria Iturrios produced a stunning final round to win the Lalla Meryem Cup in just her third Ladies European Tour event.
Florentyna Parker began Sunday's play looking to secure a wire-to-wire victory in Morocco but was ultimately frustrated by Iturrios' victory charge.
Iturrios overcame the miserable conditions in Rabat to card a closing 65 and finish 11 under par, six shots clear of overnight leader Parker at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.
The 20-year-old from Majorca began the final round two shots off the lead but after getting back on level terms with three birdies and one bogey on the front nine, she surged clear with four birdies in the first six holes on the back nine before sealing the win in style with another on the last.
"I'm very excited, it's the best experience of my life so I am really happy," Iturrios, who finished fourth in the qualifying school in December, told Sky Sports.
"I just set out to enjoy the game and play my golf and have fun today. I was very relaxed until the 15th and on the 18th I was really nervous but the putt went in so I am really happy.
"I hope this is the start of a long career for me, I hope a lot of tournaments are coming to enjoy."
Parker, born in Germany to British parents, had led since an opening 67 on Thursday, but she carded a closing 73 which featured 17 straight pars before a bogey at the final hole.