Five-time Australian Open champion Karrie Webb is predicting a huge future for rising star Minjee Lee, saying the Perth teenager has more talent in a little finger than her at the same age.
The 17-year-old amateur led the field of the Women's Australian Open heading into final day but faltered under pressure and in the testing windy conditions at Victoria Golf Club.
After posting three earlier rounds of 68, 67 and 68, Lee blew out on the deciding day to card a 78 to finish in a tie of 11th.
Webb meanwhile, stormed home from five shots back with final round 68 to win the title by one stroke from South Korean Chella Choi.
The long-time Australian No.1 said she comforted Lee, who is a Karrie Webb scholarship holder and stayed at her house during last year's US Open, following her round.
"I told her `good play'," Webb said.
"It's probably tougher to lead a tournament in conditions like today than if you're behind because you don't have as much to lose if you're behind."
After leaving high school last year, Lee is considering attending Q-school to play full-time on the LPGA Tour at the end of the year and Webb believed she had the talent to succeed.
Last week she was runner-up to American Cheyenne Woods at the Australian Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast.
"She's got more talent in her little finger than I ever did at 17 so she should hold her head up high," Webb said.
"She's played very well the last two weeks; the best out of anyone consistently so she should be really proud of herself.
"You will definitely see a lot more of her."
