Swiss schoolteacher Sophie Ducrey went to the top of the class with an outstanding performance to win the English Senior Women’s Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship.
Ducrey was a worthy winner at a pristine Coventry Golf Club after posting rounds of 70, 77 and 74 for a +2 total.
That allowed her to claim a three-shot victory from nearest challenger Felicity Christine.
Christine came storming through the field with a best-of-the-day round of 70.
The three-under par score took the Woking golfer to +5 for the championship, but there was too much ground to make up on Ducrey who led from wire-to-wire.
Despite being put under pressure on the final day by Christine and Australian playing partner Sue Wooster, the golfer from Lausanne held her nerve to get over the line.
A closing one-under par round started shakily with bogeys at the opening two holes. On the third tee the lead over Wooster was back to a single shot,
But a birdie at the fourth hole steadied the ship for Ducrey and she was able to kick on.
Melbourne-based Wooster – who claimed the European Senior Women’s Amateur crown last week in Estonia – just ran out of steam in the end, but took third spot on her own after finishing on a total of +7
For Ducrey, the thrill of victory was a sweet moment and something she can talk about on her return to school next week.
“The children will be excited,” she admitted.
“They have been following my progress all week on the internet and I’ll be taking the trophy into class for sure!
“I’m extremely happy and pleased. For me, it’s the first time I’ve won a championship abroad.
“I liked this course from the first day and the win is a good present.
“The second round was a bit more difficult – I was right and left and everywhere and kept going. Today I kept my concentration.
“I was playing with Sue who won the European Seniors in Estonia and maybe I was a little bit impressed. Slowly I got into the rhythm and found my swing and holed some putts.
“I had fun.
“I think all the ladies here are very caring and very positive and have empathy and I found that very helpful for my game.”
In the various age group categories, Ducrey was also the winner in the 50-54 section.
Cath Rawthore from Sale took the honours in the 55-59 age category.
Wooster came out on top for those aged 60-64 and Christine took the plaudits in the over 65 age group.
· The 2023 English Senior Women’s Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship will take place at Preston Golf Club in Lancashire from 20-22 June.
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