What stood between Sarah Burnham and the Minnesota Women's State Amateur Championship were 15 miles-per-hour winds, McKenzie Neisen and a three-hole playoff.

In the end, the Wayzata junior-to-be parred her last hole in sudden death. She edged out Neisen, dethroned Celia Kuenster -- who finished third -- and hoisted the trophy for the first time.

"It means the world to me," said Burnham, who shot 4-over-par 220 for the tournament. "I'm happy that I could win a tournament like this. All the hard work and practice has paid off."

Entering the final round Thursday, Burnham held a one-stroke lead over the field after shooting a 3-over 75 at Mendakota Country Club the previous day. Neisen -- right on her heels -- shook up the leaderboards early. The New Prague junior-to-be opened her round with an eagle and birdied three of the next 12 holes to take a one-stroke lead.

"I was a little nervous for Sarah early on when McKenzie grabbed the lead," said Jessica Nelson, Burnham's caddie and Wayzata teammate. "McKenzie is a very good golfer, but I knew Sarah could come back."

Burnham rallied to catch Neisen atop the leaderboard by the time they reached the 18th tee. Battling the wind, both golfers managed to dig themselves out of a jam to par the hole, setting up the playoff.

"I told myself, 'Let's just see what happens,' " Burnham said. "Surprisingly, I was really relaxed going into the playoff. I didn't feel much pressure. I just wanted to play my game and hope things turned out well."

The leaders remained even after the first hole, but Neisen's next tee shot would get her into trouble. The ball sailed left, landing in the rough between two trees. Then matters grew worse. Her next shot fell into the bunker just short of the green.

Burnham, however, launched a shot onto the green and sunk a 10-foot putt to take a two-shot lead. From there, it was over. A new Women's State Amateur champion was crowned.

Nelson was proud of her teammate's performance.

"She played well," she said. "It was fun watching her play, carrying around her bag and I'm glad she pulled it out."