At the inaugural MFS Australian Women&aposs Mid Amateur Championship, the 54-holes stroke play event went down to the wire. With a quality field of past State Representatives and State Amateur Champions, the event was always sure to live up to expectations. Julie Swanson from Newcastle Golf Club, New South Wales, held a one stroke lead over Kim Burke, also from NSW going into the final round after scores of 81 and 76. In extremely tough final day conditions, Swanson and local hope, Christine Trimmer, were all tied up with three holes to play. However Trimmer faltered at the final hurdle to give Swanson the title by three strokes. On her home course, Trimmer held on to finish in second place, with scores of 81, 78 and 82. Kim Burke took third place, one shot behind. As a former NSW Amateur Champion, and a two-time NSW State Team Member, Swanson had experience on her side and was thrilled with her title. “Once the exhaustion subsides and my feet recover, I will be able to enjoy the win,” she said. It was a great effort by Swanson, who has only returned to golf in the last three months after recovering from a back injury. With her partner Frank Lovkovic on her bag for the three days, the champ tamed the golf course and is looking forward to returning when the 2008 Australian Women’s Stroke Play Championship is to be played at Glenelg in April next year. Click here to view results