Count-backs required

TOP PERFORMERS: Division 1 winner Lynda Nannings, runner-up Helen Stratford and third-placed Helen Myers with Division 2 winner Lynette Hirth, runner-up Lesley McPherson and third-placed Shannon McDonnell at the Blue Lake Golf Club last week. Picture: Submitted

THE first of five rounds of the Marlene Lingham Memorial Stableford trophy was played in cold conditions at the Blue lake golf club last week.

A field of 21 women rugged up and were eager to hit off despite the single-figure temperatures.

At the conclusion of the day, Lynda Nannings emerged as the Division 1 winner.

Playing off a handicap of 29, she was grateful for her back nine of 20 points, which helped her across the line in a three-way countback on 35 points.

She fended off Helen Stratford (21 handicap) and Helen Myers (20), who filled the second and third positions respectively.

Nannings had six three-pointers which included a long chip-in for par on the 11th, while she completed her round by sinking a 20-foot putt on the 18th.

Stratford had a consistent round with four three-pointers, including a par on three of the four par three holes.

Myers also scored consistently, especially on the inward nine with pars on the 11th, 14th and 15th.

Division 2 participants found the course a little challenging, with the winners using their handicaps to out score their opponents.

Another count-back was required with Lynette Hirth and Lesley McPherson both signing for 26 points.

Hirth (42 handicap) had splits of 12 and 14 which included a nice par on the fifth earning her four points.

She had the better back nine score to win the count-back, while McPherson (30 handicap) had splits of 14 and 12, which included a par on the 16th.

Third placed Shannon McDonnell finished with 23 points, with a par on the downhill par three fifth hole scoring her four points to go with the three three-pointers on her card.

Nearest-the-pin second shot winners were Division 1’s Karen Panagopolous from a birdie two and Division 2’s Carol Melhuish.

The pro-shot was won by Sue Agars.

Dianne Allen, Nannings and Rose Case all won chocolate bars for chip-in ferrets.