Shin hit her wedge to four feet on 18, Gal had to get close. She got closer at two feet. Amazingly Shin missed and Gal tapped in for her first LPGA victory.

Six feet tall, Gal played for Germany in the European Team Championships from 2003-2007. In 2003 she was Golfer of the Year in Germany and won the German Girls. She played some Junior Golf with Martin Kaymer; they are both from Düsseldorf. In 2007 she won the Czech Invitational and was top ranked amateur in both Europe and German ranking. Graduating from University of Florida in advertising in 2008, she was a first team All American in 2007. She qualified for the tour in 2007 and had a T-14 in 2008 her rookie season.

Just 25 years old, Gal has blossomed in 2011. With her win, Gal moved up to 44th in the Rolex Rankings; her highest ever at that time. Now she rests on 33rd place. As a first time Rolex winner, she also qualifies for the LPGA CME Group Titleholders season finale. She finished 10th at the RR Donnelly Founders Cup the week prior to the KIA Classic.

Gal loves painting and design, plus the violin. Tall with long dark hair, she is the perfect model – she enjoys modeling too. Sandra has her own site: www.sandragal.com.

Sandra Gal hits her tee shot during the final round of the KIA Classic.

“5Qs – Five EXEGOLF questions”

Who was the biggest influence in your becoming a pro golfer?
“My parents. We always took golf vacations in the winter and spring usually to the Algarve. Quinta do Lago is a favorite that we visited many times. Also we would go to Cannes and other places in the south of France. So since six years my vacations were all golf. At 14, I got serious and was playing a lot of junior golf and club matches. I belonged to Hubelrath Golf Club near Düsseldorf. My dad was the main motivator; he was about 15 handicap at his best. My Mom was never better than 36.”

What player was your role model in golf?
“Ernie Els, I just love his easy swing. And then Freddie Couples too. I used to go watch all of them at the German Open.”

Your most satisfying moment in golf?
“My win at the KIA Classic and all that came with it. My wedge shot on 18 to be inside Shin was special, and I was trying to hole it, as I felt sure she would make the birdie. On 14, I made a great par saving putt that really helped my momentum.”

Your ideal foursome?
“Ernie Els, Deepak Chopra, Arnold Palmer.”

Five key things a golfer should always remember?
“Stay in the present. Love every shot. Work on feel not on mechanics. Never get too serious. Trust yourself.”