The Victorian Women’s Championship and Salver concluded successfully today after the players were treated with the most perfect weather the Bellarine Peninsula had to offer. And it was local Kerrin Biddle from Thirteen Beach who clinched the Championship in what became nearly a match play round.
Playing in the final group with Johanna Wyllie, Kerrin had a slender one shot advantage before teeing off. Kerrin quickly increased her advantage to 2 shots after a birdie on the very first hole. However, consistent play from Johanna on the front nine kept Kerrin on her toes. A birdie on the ninth hole after a couple of bogeys was what she needed to maintain the 2 shot lead. Winning the championship meant a lot to Kerrin and her nerves were starting to get in the way. Kerrin’s unexpected double bogey on the 12th raised Johanna’s hopes as she had been making mostly pars. However, the veteran player calmed herself down and managed to finish the championship with a one shot advantage. No playoff was required after respective back nines of 39 for Kerrin and 38 for Jo giving Biddle the title by one shot.
This was a fantastic effort by both amateurs who participated recently in the 2014 Oates VicOpen Championship at Thirteen Beach Golf Links! Having played together they knew each other’s games but it was the experience acquired by playing in a major event which helped Kerrin over the line in this Championship.
In the Salver section a count back was needed to determine the eventual winner. Ex Women’s Golf Network members Liz Alcock from Lakeside and Carol Coghlan from RACV Cape Schanck finished tied on 73 points. They posted excellent rounds of 41 and 40 points respectively in what was recognised by all players as a challenging course. Liz was the eventual winner and was ecstatic about her win.
The presentations were very animated as a large number of participants were ex Women’s Golf Network members who have moved onto joining other clubs. They enthusiastically cheered for Liz and Carol as well as for another ex WGN member, Sabina Rosser from Keysborough, who claimed the best 36 hole nett in the championship field.
It is in order to thank all the participants for their support; Lonsdale Golf Club and their members for their outstanding efforts to present the course in excellent condition and for their warm hospitality; and last but not least to Golf Victoria volunteers Sue Rea and Marcia Williams for another well run event.
The next women’s event on the Calendar comes back to this lovely part of Victoria. The Victorian Women’s Senior Amateur Championship to be played at Curlewis Golf Club from Monday 17 to Wednesday 19 March. Click here to see final results.