Amelia Garvey so close

Canterbury professional golfer Amelia Garvey made a huge step towards gaining her card for the LPGA Tour with her best finish on the Epson Tour in the United States at a tournament in Michigan last month.

Garvey’s three-round score of 207 was good enough for a second finish and $US18,695 in welcome prizemoney.

With her most consistent performance to date, she began the final round tied with eventual winner Siyun Lu who led by two shots after nine holes.

But Garvey fought hard and drew level after a birdie on the 15th hole. However, Lu birdied 17 to seal a one shot victory.

Garvey will take great heart as her form has been on a steady upward spiral in the last three tournaments plus winning a US Open qualifier. In the race for a LPGA Tour card she is now 19th after 10 events, needing to finish in the top 25 at the end of the season to join Lydia Ko at the highest level.