Rohanna finishes T-33 in New Zealand
The McKayson New Zealand Women’s Open needed an extra day to finish because of storms that blew through Auckland in Sunday’s final round.
The weather adversely affected Rachel Rohanna, leading to a 4-over 76 in the final round as she slid down into a tie for 33rd place with a four-day total of 2-under 286.
Rohanna earned $8.798 for her efforts.
Canadian Brooke Henderson shot 17-under 271 for the winner’s purse of $195,000.
Rohanna played around 13 holes before play in the final round was postponed.
“It was just really rainy and extremely windy,” Rohanna said via Facebook Messenger. “I don’t know if you watched any coverage or the video I shared, but no one can figure out why we kept going back out (Sunday). The wind became very dangerous. A sign actually fell over and hit a camera man in the head, who was taken to the hospital. That’s when they finally called it.”
The Waynesburg Central graduate had two bogeys on the frontside of the final round to go out in 2-over 38. She carded three bogeys and a birdie on the back to come back in 38.
She hit only 4-of-14 fairways and 9-of-18 greens in regulation in the final round.
Rohanna opened with a 71 and then had a bogey-free 68 in the second round. She improved to 6-under for the tournament with another 71 in Saturday’s third round.
Rohanna needed 118 putts over the four rounds, a part of her game that disappointed her.
“I was just disappointed with my putting. I hit the ball great and have been putting well this year, but just left everything short and missed quite a few from 5, 6 feet,” explained Rohanna.
While calendar just turned to autumn in Waynesburg, spring had just sprung south of the equator in Auckland.
“I think during their summer it would be much better. The course is only a year old so everything was firm, well until the rain came,” said Rohanna.
National favorite Lydia Ko finished tied for 22nd with a four-round total of 283.
“They definitely love their Lydia!,” commented Rohanna. “There were still spectators out yesterday and today to follow her, despite the weather.”
Rohanna is 139th on the LPGA earnings list with $38,357, but now her attention turns to the Symetra Tour and its tour championship.
Rohanna is looking to earn full-time status again with her play in the Symetra Tour Championship. The top 10 in the final standings earn their LPGA card. The four-day tournament with a purse of $200,000 begins Thursday at the LPGA International, Jones Course in Daytona Beach, Florida.
She is currently 24th on the money list $30,514. Daniela Darquea currently sits 10th with $54,161.
“I’m not sure how things are going to pan out, but I think to have any chance to come in the top 10 I’ll have to win,” said Rohanna.