A GOLFING sensation from Innerleithen has won more than £30,000 in her first tournament since turning professional.

Karis Davidson finished runner-up at the weekend in the Oates Vic Open in Australia.

The 19-year-old moved to Australia with mum and dad, Faye and Graeme, almost a decade ago.

But her love for golf, which was nourished on the fairways of both Innerleithen and Cardrona, has never diminished.

Karis, who turned professional in December after winning through to earn a place on the lucrative Japanese Tour, carded a best-of-the-day 67 in the third round on Saturday at the Beach Golf Links near Melbourne.

She backed it up with a steady 71 on Sunday to finish five shots behind behind winner Minjee Lee.

Playing with home favourite Lee and other popular Australian, Hannah Green, in the final group on Sunday, Davidson birdied the seventh and 15th in a bogey-free closing round.

Karis said: "It’s my first tournament, so it’s a good start.

"I just tried to prepare myself as I knew there would be a lot of people watching Minjee and Hannah is also popular out here.

“On a lot of shots I felt my heart going fast and it was a really good feeling.

“This is where I want to be.

"I did quite well in a couple of amateur competitions and I guess that helped me keep calm today. It’s a great start but I’ve got to keep my feet on the ground. I’ve got a big year ahead."

Karis will play at the Australian Open before embarking on the Japanese Tour.