Dunedin schoolgirl Joanna Ke has claimed a stunning victory at the World Champion of Champions golf tournament in Northern Ireland, taking out the under-nine girls title with a commanding lead.
The nine-year-old finished eight strokes ahead of her nearest rival after three rounds of play—36, 38, and 39—on the Lough Erne course in County Fermanagh, ending the 27-hole tournament four-over par.
Competing against 260 junior golfers from 40 countries across nine age-group categories, Joanna stood out with her consistency and composure. Born in China and now attending Columba College in Dunedin, she has been training under the guidance of Otago professional Shelley Duncan for the past two years.
Joanna, who plays off a 12.9 handicap, earned her spot in the world championship by finishing second at a qualifying tournament in Australia.
