Three-in-a-row for our Women’s Grade 1 team

After a dominant season, Glenelg’s Women’s Grade 1 Pennant team topped off their 2014 campaign with a resounding 4.5 to 0.5 victory over The Grange at The Grange in the Golf SA Pennant final on Sunday.

After going into the final as slight favourites, Glenelg’s girls proved their absolute class against quality opposition to take out their third title in as many years, maintaining the Club’s position as the dominant force in women’s golf in South Australia.

The Greg Norman designed East Course was presented in immaculate condition for the finals and early on, it appeared that even The Grange girls were struggling on the tricky greens, which were running slick and fast, seemingly diluting any home-course advantage that was on offer.

After winning the toss, Glenelg’s number five, Sarah Griffiths, lead the team away, playing her usual solid golf to take a 2 up lead over the experienced Louise Glennon through nine holes.  Meanwhile, in the group behind, Matilda Wheare, with her dad in tow as caddy, struggled early against Grange youngster, Cassidy Evreniadis, to be a couple down at the turn.

Jill Hodge, playing in her familiar number three position with Cathy Symons on the bag, faced tough competition from Jean Foo, and after both players birdied the first hole, it set the scene for some quality matchplay golf.  Jill got herself into a winning position on the back nine, being 3 up through 13, however a spirited fightback from Jean saw the match head towards the 18th hole, and possibly the deciding match of the final.

Elysia Yap lined up against Ella Adams, both of whom had gone through the 2014 season undefeated in their respective number two positions, but it was Elysia who jumped out of the starting blocks under the expert caddying tutelage of Gary “Darky” Thompson.  Ella was unable to combat Elysia’s impressive performance, and Elysia stormed through to take an early victory on the 13th hole, 7/5.  Elysia’s victory also saw her take out the 2014 Women’s Pennant Player of the Year.

In the number one position and with team reserve, Jess Burns on the bag, Jenny Lee, who had also gone through the season undefeated (her only “blemish”, a half in round three), played extraordinary golf to card seven birdies on her way to a resounding 7/6 victory over the talented Kristalle Blum.  The result cemented Jenny’s dominance as SA’s number one female golfer, and ranked 5th nationally. 

At this point, Glenelg had two matches in the bag, but  three other matches going down to the wire.  Which match to follow?  Sarah Griffiths heading up the 18th with a one shot lead, Jill Hodge fighting a spirited comeback from her opponent on the 16th, or Matilda Wheare coming back from the brink with guts and determination on the 17th?

Sarah was in prime position, one up playing the 18th, and this is where the final result was determined.  Playing in her usual steady and relaxed style, Sarah casually drove her ball down the middle of the fairway and after laying up with precision on the right-hand side of the fairway, she left herself with a relatively straight forward pitch, which was executed to perfection.  And to seal the deal, Sarah nonchalantly rolled her 10 foot putt into the back of the cup for birdie, taking out the win, and giving Glenelg the necessary third contest and the 2014 pennant title.

Amongst all the excitement and celebrations, Matilda had fought her way back to grab a classic and well deserved victory up the 18th hole, and with the result now well and truly beyond doubt, Jill was able to concede a half in her match as they approached the final hole.

Women’s Club Captain and Team Manager, Heather Waddy, was ecstatic with the team’s victory, as were the many supporters who made the effort to come out and support the team in their quest for victory.  The girl’s represented the Club with outstanding maturity and grace and were well deserved victors on the day.  Congratulations must go to all involved, from the players and officials through to the volunteers who gave up their weekends throughout the season.

Let’s see if 2015 can bring 4-in-a-row!

Women’s Grade 1 Pennant Final

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