West Australian Kirsten Rudgeley produced her best result since turning professional to finish outright fourth at the KPMG Women's Irish Open at Dromoland Castle.

Rudgeley missed the three-woman playoff by just one stroke in her return to the Ladies European Tour, surpassing her previous best result in her debut season on the LET.

A month back at home in Perth working with coach Craig Bishop transferred to results immediately for Rudgeley, who with nine holes to play was in contention for a breakthrough LET title.

The 22-year-old made a hot start with five birdies on her front nine but dropped shots at 12 and 13 to lose touch with the leaders.

The top of the leaderboard was again within reach when she birdied both 15 and 16 but her 5-under 67 on Sunday would leave her one shot out of the playoff ultimately won by Denmark’s Smilla Tarning Soenderby (62) with an eagle at the first extra hole.

Rudgeley’s total of 15-under par earned her outright fourth, her best finish on the Ladies European Tour and a timely rise to 37th in the Race to Costa Del Sol standings.

“I’m proud of myself, it’s my first year,” Rudgeley said of her best result since turning professional late last year.

“I’m happy I went back home as it sorted a few things out.
“It was a solid week; I didn’t do too much wrong. It was my first time in this situation as well and good to be able to push all the way to the end.

“I loved it and it was good to be in contention.”

Sara Kemp’s tie for 21st was the best of the Aussies at the Portland Classic on the LPGA Tour, Grace Kim a shot further back in a tie for 26th.

Results

LPGA Tour
Portland Classic
Columbia Edgewater Country Club, Portland, Oregon
1             Chanettee Wannasaen    68-66-65-63—262
T21        Sarah Kemp                       66-71-69-69—275           
T26        Grace Kim                           70-69-67-70—276           
MC         Hannah Green                   70-72—142
MC         Stephanie Kyriacou          74-70—144
MC         Karis Davidson                   73-71—144
MC         Lydia Ko (NZ)                     72-72—144
MC         Su Oh                                  75-76—151

Ladies European Tour
KPMG Women’s Irish Open
Dromoland Castle, County Clare, Ireland
1             Smilla Tarning Soenderby              71-67-72-62—272            €60,000
4             Kirsten Rudgeley                              67-71-68-67—273            €18,000
MC         Wenyung Keh (NZ)                          73-78—151
MC         Momoka Kobori (NZ)                      73-79—152

Photo: Tristan Jones/LET