Gabi Ruffels – file photo
23-year-old Victorian Gabriella Ruffels has produced her best LPGA Tour finish with a share of 3rd place at the Fir Hills Se Ri Pak Championship in California.
Ruffles bounced back from a double bogey during the middle of her final round with two late birdies in the blustery conditions to finish just one behind the playoff between Nelly Korda and Ryan O’Toole won by Korda.
Ruffels moved into contention with a third round of 65 on Saturday and through eight holes today she had a share of the lead but then came the double bogey at the 9th before the two late birdies led to a final round of 70 and a share of third with Alison Lee.
Ruffels will earn a cheque for US$120,000, a significant jump on her previous best of US$86,000 earned when finishing 24th at last year’s lucrative KPMG Women’s PGA Championship but it is her best finish in an LPGA Tour event after gaining her full playing rights after leading the Epson Tour last season.
Ruffels, who has family connections in the area, has enjoyed staying with her Aunty this week.
“My mom grew up here. This is her hometown, and I’m staying with my aunt this week and my whole extended family lives in this area and I also went to USC. I have a lot of ties to this area and this place. It’s really cool to just be around family this week. I feel very relaxed and at home. It’s been fun.”
Ruffels was a winner and runner-up at the US Women’s Amateur Championship during her amateur days while attending the University of Southern California.
