A capacity crowd filled Silver Creek Park in Manitowoc Sunday to witness Eveliina Salonen of Finland win her first U.S. Women’s Disc Golf Open Championship and her fourth career major title.
She shot a four-day total of 17 under 247, defeating Haley King, a Wisconsin native, by one shot, and captured the $8,500 first-place prize.
King and Salonen were tied going to the 18th and final hole. Salonen describes to SeehaferNews.com her feelings as she approaches the 18th tee.
”I was sure that me and Haley (King) were going to have a playoff. But I realized that I could win by making my third shot (on hole 18),” she explained. “I was so focused on making a good shot to put myself in a position to win. When I executed the shot I needed to, I felt I was in good shape to win.”
Salonen said the heat was a bit much, but said the wind on Sunday helped her shot making and get her to the finish line.
She also appreciated the support she received over the weekend from the huge gallery.
“It’s so great to see so many people here. It’s not easy to get fans supporting you when you’re far away from home in a different country,” she admitted. “I felt so welcome here and thankful for the support when there were so many U.S. players here.”
The Finland native continues to add to her impressive resume as she’ll defend her world title next month in Norway.
We asked her just how many more majors she can win, and she said, “I hope all of them until I retire. I don’t know. We’ll see.”
Two Rivers native Lindsay Fish ended the tournament at 36 over par, good for 65th place.
Media Coordinator Lindsay Krause says that things couldn’t have gone any better, with the great play on display and ideal conditions all weekend long.
She’ll join WOMT Sports Talk tonight to recap the tournament.
The program will begin at 5:30 p.m., live from Salute to Everyone in Downtown Manitowoc.
