Wednesday, August 16, 2006 · Page 15 Laura Matthews shines at Canadian Open BY JOHN GARINGER SPECIAL TO THE ESSEX FREE PRESS There is a very fine line in the game of golf, a line that separates the very, very good from the truly great. It can be a matter of two heavy irons in one round or two missed putts over 18 holes or two approach shots that just missed the green. That's all it takes, something so small, yet it means the difference between making the cut and going home. It means the difference of earning a living on the pro tour or having to quit. Only the best players survive the intense pressure. This week at the LPGA CN Canadian Women's Open in London, Ont. Essex native Laura Matthews survived the pressure, making the cut where 56 professionals failed to advance. The tournament ran from Aug. 10-13. Laura is the daughter of Bob and MaryLou Henderson, both accomplished golfers in their own right. The Hendersons provided Laura with the early LANDSCAPING · SPRINKLER INSTALLATIONS · POST HOLES & DESIGN INC. Photo: RCGA/Graig Abel Laura Matthews at the CN Canadian Women's Open last weekend. training that would springboard her career. She was good enough at the amateur level in her teens to be offered a scholarship to the University of Georgia in 1997. When she graduated she was offered an assistant coaching position with the Lady Bulldogs in 2001. This fall she will begin her second year as coach of the Oklahoma State University women's golf team. In addition to her coaching duties, Laura continues to play competitive golf at the top amateur levels. This week, after a strong summer showing, she arrived in London for the CN Canadian Women's Open. We followed Laura through her practice rounds and the regular tournament rounds. Last Tuesday, after playing the course in her first practice round. she described the course as tough but fair. As the week wore on Laura was ready to challenge the pros. Time after time, after making a bad shot or a bogey, she replied with a great recovery shot or a birdie, showing an amazing ability to focus on the shot at hand. After Friday's round, she had made the "cut line", shooting five over par and joined the survivors for the weekend. Over the next two days, Laura played steady golf, fearlessly shooting at the pins and accepting the challenges the London Hunt and Country Club had to offer. On the Sunday she finished three over par, completing the four-day tournament with a score of 298, 10 over par for the tournament. Laura Ph. 519.776.6826 was a ways down the leader board at the end because of a few strokes here and there and a few missed putts. Laura travels next to the 2006 World Amateur Team Championships in Stellenbosch, South Africa in October. She, along with Richard Scott, also a member at Kingsville Golf and Country Club, are members of the Canadian national team. Mathews was a recognized member of the group competing at the Canadian Women's Open. As she walked up the last fairway Aug. 13, the huge crowd gave her an enthusiastic welcome. She waved and smiled, putted out and walked to meet the waiting cameras and reporters. Standing quietly to the side was her caddy, her father. When asked for his response on Matthews' play at the tournament, Bob Matthews responded "pretty darn proud." Tec Lanes Family run for over 30 years. Bowling & Pro Shop WHERE CUSTOMERS Come Join Us! BECOME OUR FRIENDS! We have openings for New Leagues and League Bowlers for 2006 - 2007 Season. We have daytime, nighttimes and weekend leagues, men's, ladies, mixed, seniors and kids leagues on Saturday. · 8 Lanes, Fully Automatic · Kids Birthday Parties · Bar & Grill LOOKING FOR A VEHICLE? WORRIED ABOUT FINANCING? FREE PRE-APPROVALS!! www.easycreditcanada.ca GOOD OR BAD CREDIT ALL APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED Call for details: 735-2308 or 737-6774 12005 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh, ON.