New England Women’s Seniors champion Tracey Williamson endured a nerve-wracking final round to claim the title at the fourth attempt.
The nine-time Norfolk county champion went into the final day five clear at Hayling GC in Hampshire but after 14 holes that lead was gone and her partner, the two-time British Seniors champion Laura Webb (Ireland), looked to have the initiaitve.
But the Sheringham player regained the lead thanks to a birdie on the par three 16th while Laura bogeyed. Both then birdied the par five 17th before finding trouble off the 18th tee and both had to take a penalty drop.
However a double bogey was enough for the England international. With her playing partner taking one more she claimed a three-shot victory.
“It was very much a tight squeeze,” Tracy told England Golf. “An uncomfortable squeeze I would call that.
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“I did enjoy it, but it was a little bit tense. Some of the bad shots came out of the blue. I wasn’t nervous and thinking about an off shot – they just appeared.
“That’s the fourth year I’ve played and probably put too much pressure on myself. This year I tried to relax and enjoy it rather than thinking about winning. I’m over the moon.”
Tracey, who had a hole in one on the final day of the competition last year, played some great stuff on the first two days of the 54-hole strokeplay event. She had 12 birdies during her first two rounds on the par 74 test and was never headed.
• Agegroup winners – 50-54: Tracy Williamson (Sheringham)
• 55-59: Laura Webb (East Berkshire)
• 60-64: Caroline Berry (Bromborough)
• 65 plus (Christine Willis Salver): Christine Quinn (Hockley)