England’s Emma Allen claimed the first WPGA Strokeplay event of the season as she eased to a three-shot win at Glasson Lakehouse.
Allen carded a level-par 72 in the final group of the day to come out on top ahead of Heather Stirling, Ali Gray and former US Open champion Alison Nicholas MBE who finished on plus three.
“Yeah it feels amazing, I really enjoyed the day and yesterday and I just feel really happy,” beamed Allen.
The Boundary Lakes Golf Club professional started quick with successive opening birdies before a bogey on 4 saw her turn in 35. She recovered from bogeys on 12 and 13 with back-to-back birdies before she dropped a shot on 16.
“I thought it was going to be a really good one when I first started but then the greens kicked in and some tricky pin positions, they were running really quick as well so yeah it was a steady round.”
Allen completed the double having won the pro-am on Monday afternoon and she is looking forward to a packed WPGA schedule.
“It was a great week I have enjoyed my time, the weather has been good and the company really better. I think this has been one of the strongest events, we have been made to feel so welcome here and we were really well supported considering how far everyone has had to come so it’s been brilliant.
“I will try and play as many as I can I definitely want to travel and support the WPGA as much as I can.”
Director of Golf at Glasson Lakehouse was the brains behind the operation this week and she was thrilled with how the week went with all 20 women who teed it up having a ball.
“It’s been fantastic and having the support from WPGA professionals from England and Scotland has really made the event,” she smiled. “The pro-am was fantastic, we did it a bit differently we had a clinic with Alison Nicholas, former US Open champion which was a real treat for everybody. The other girls helped out and we did some putting and some chipping then a shotgun start so the atmosphere was great.
“I’m really proud because here in Glasson Lakehouse we have had huge investment into the property so I knew the girls would love the place but the team have worked so hard on the golf course and it was in fantastic order. All the players are really thanking me today for hosting the event and it has been a great success.”
McCool finished the day on eight-over-par but she really enjoyed the two days and the 50-year-old has caught the golfing bug again.
“I went out and hit the ball well and struggled with the short game but the way I hit it was encouraging and I would like to put time into my own game, if I put the effort in I might compete again.”
Recent PGA graduate Mary Doyle played alongside McCool and Nicholas on Tuesday morning, returning a six-over 78 and she was delighted to tee it up in her first WPGA event.
“The facilities and set up were excellent, the event was really well run, the greens were probably the fastest I’ve played on in the last couple of years so it was great to be here with everybody and to play my first WPGA event and to play with fellow female pros.
“Seeing other players playing and getting back into competitive golf would encourage you to play more events and practice that bit more.”
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