Emily Kristine Pedersen is hoping that winning the Ladies European Tour’s Rookie of the Year title on Saturday is just the start of a journey that would eventually see her become the world No1.
The 19-year-old Dane wants to build up on a fantastic year on the LET, in which she also won the Hero Women’s Indian Open en route to finishing sixth in the Money List.
A round of three-under par 69 yesterday gave her a tournament tally of two-under par 286. That was five shots better than her closest rival, compatriot Nanna Koerstz Madsen, who needed to finish inside the top-two to beat Pedersen to the title.
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A delighted Pedersen said after the round: “It feels very good. It’s something I’ve wanted. It’s something you only get once in your life, so it’s a very big honor for me to be the Rookie of the Year.
“The win in India came at a great time with only two tournaments left. It’s been an amazing year.
“I want to be the world No1 one day, hopefully. Hopefully, I’ll win the Order of Merit, and hopefully I’ll win the CME Globe on the LPGA Tour. Hopefully, there will be a lot more victories, both on the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA.
“I really want to qualify for the Olympics. Also another win would be great, now that I know that I have the ability to do it.”
Pedersen said she had no plans to take her foot off the pedal. She is spending a couple of days in Dubai before going home for Christmas, and starts her preparation for the new season immediately afterwards in Florida.
The 19-year-old also acknowledged the role played by rival Nanna in her getting better. Nanna is from the same golf course and the two have been fighting tooth and nail with each other since their junior days.
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“Well, it’s always been there, like the last eight years. But obviously it’s making me better and she’s pushing me,” Pedersen said.
“She’s a very good player and we’ve always been pushing each other. I think that’s why we are both in a really good place and good players now.”
Madsen said the Rookie of the Year title was never her goal, but that she was disappointed to play so badly in the tournament.
“It wasn’t my goal for this week. I’m obviously disappointed in my tournament, played really badly especially the last two round. But it’s OK, I didn’t expect to win,” said Madsen.
“It was going to be a big challenge finishing second, especially because I played so bad the last couple of months.
“I’m looking forward to a new season just to start over again. I’m pretty tired of this season now. It’s juts good there’s a new season.”
