by David J. Chavez
Daily Lobo
Mikaela Backstedt proved she can play with the best young female golfers in the world June 14.
Representing UNM and her home country of Sweden, Backstedt finished fourth overall at the British Open Amateur Championships.
Backstedt said she was pleased with her performance against the stiff competition.
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"It was really tough playing on that course, and the competition was good, so I'm happy with my fourth place finish," she said. "I'm glad that I got the chance to play on such a beautiful course."
The tournament was held at the Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Ireland. Amateur golfers from all over the world competed in the two-day event.
Backstedt, a sophomore at UNM, shot a 2-under 73 both days. She finished with a 4-under 146 along with fellow Swede Caroline Westrup and Germany's Sandra Gal and Katharina Schallenberg.
Fellow Lobo and Swede, Py Bengtsson, finished 19th place at 1-over 151.
Backstedt said her summer European tour will continue with a trip to the European Championships in the Netherlands. Her team is comprised of five other Swedish players, including Bengtsson.
Backstedt said the Swedish national coach chose her to compete on the pro tour.
The European Pro Tour allows six amateurs to compete, and Backstedt earned one of those spots.
Backstedt said her expedition through European tournaments began when she was 8 years old.
"My dad enjoyed the game for a long time, so he encouraged me and all my siblings to play," she said. "I have four brothers and one sister, and we all started playing golf at a young age."
The scenery didn't hurt, either. Backstedt said there are a lot of nice golf courses near her hometown of Hollviken, Sweden.
Backstedt has competed in various tournaments since she started playing golf. She won an event on the Telia Tour, which is part of the Swedish Pro Tour, before joining the Lobos. She also finished in the top three in two other events during her stint on the pro tour.
Backstedt was named to the Swedish National Team and the European Championship girls team in 2004.
Along with all the international success Backstedt has enjoyed, she had an impressive first season as a Lobo. Backstedt was named first team All-Mountain West Conference and honorable mention All-American.
She said she plans to start a career in golf after graduating from UNM.
"Getting an education is very important to me, and I think staying in school will help me become a better player," she said. "As soon as I graduate, I would like to turn pro and go on tour."
Backstedt said the tournaments she plays in this summer, along with a lot of hard work, can only make her a better golfer and prepare her for a second season at UNM.
"It's important for me to practice continuously and play against good competition to keep making improvements," she said.
