Andrew Redington
Rebecca Lee-Bentham of Toronto has won her first tournament as a professional, beating a strong field at a mini-tour event in Florida.
A former amateur standout, the 19-year-old posted a two-shot victory Wednesday at the Suncoast Ladies Series' season finale in Daytona Beach. She earned $2,500 (U.S.).
Lee-Bentham had a three-day total of 12-under-par 204 on the Champions course at LPGA International Golf Club. Among the trio of runners-up Wednesday was Birdie Kim, the 2005 U.S. Women's Open champion. Rising star Jessica Korda of the United States shared 13th spot.
The Canadian's victory bodes well for her chances at the final stage of the LPGA Tour's qualifying tournament, or Q-school, next week. Not only does she head to Q-school with momentum, but Champions course is one of the two layouts used at the Q-school final.
Lee-Bentham will be among the 142 competitors trying to win her LPGA Tour card for 2012.
The highlights of Lee-Bentham's amateur career included winning the Canadian Women's Amateur this year in Duncan, B.C., and the Canadian Junior Girls the year before. She was also a member of Canada's national amateur team.
She's the second Canadian to win a Suncoast event this year. Lisa Meldrum of Montreal was crowned champion at a tournament in May.