The list of recent Smyth Salver winners is packed with stars.
The award, given to the low amateur at the AIG Women’s British Open, has served as a strong indicator of future success, with names like Lydia Ko, Danielle Kang, Georgia Hall, Leona Maguire, Jeeno Thitikul and most recently, Lottie Woad, receiving the honor.
Three amateurs made the cut this week at Royal Porthcawl, and two of them were paired together on Saturday, with Paula Martin Sampedro and Jeneath Wong playing alongside each other while Carla Bernat, known as Carla Bernat Escuder prior to this week, was just a few groups back.
Spain’s Martin Sampedro carded five birdies in a 2-under 70 on Saturday to take a three-shot lead in the amateur race, moving to even par for the championship. A 73 from Bernat, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion, moved her to 3 over for the week while Wong’s 77 put her at 7 over for the tournament.
It’s been a massive summer for Stanford’s Martin Sampedro, who won both the British Women’s Amateur and European Ladies’ Amateur Championship in Germany. She currently ranks third in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
“I try to stay consistent, especially when a mistake comes,” she said after the third round, “just not trying to do too much and accept that and just walk out with a bogey, and that could be good. Just not trying to make like big numbers on this course.”
Bernat noted that every part of her game has improved since she won the ANWA in April, though the scores might not show it now. She’s also learned how to prepare for a major, something she knows many amateurs don’t have the opportunity to do. This is Bernat’s fourth major championship start of the year, courtesy of that Augusta victory.
“I mean, it sounds crazy, but for me, (this is) the beginning, I haven’t started yet,” said Bernat. “It’s cool to win on amateur tournaments, but what I want, it’s in the future.”
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