BRITISH SENIOR WOMEN'S OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

THREE SWEDES IN TOP FOUR AT SOUTH STAFFS

It was Sweden's day in the first round of the British senior women's open amateur championship at South Staffordshire Golf Club near Wolverhampton.
Christina Birke, runner-up in the event at Longniddry 12 months ago, led with a three-over-par 76 and sharing second place with Carole Caldwell (Sunningdale), the leading Great Britain & Ireland player, were two other Swedes, Viveca Hoff and Maj-Britt.
Vivien Saunders, reinstated after 30 years as a professional and beaten finalist in the English senior women's championship last Saturday, is lying joint fifth on 78.
Pam Williamson from Baberton, who recently retained the Irish senior women's open title, had an 84, the same score as Ros Page (Came Down) who was a surprise winner of this championship at Longniddry 12 months ago.
SLGA secretary Dr Sheila Hartley, playing out of Braehead, had a 95 - three shots better than the legendary Irish player and 2001 title-winner, Mary McKenna from Donabate.
The course is 5,815yd with a par and SSS of 73. The CSS for the first round was 76.
LEADING SCORES
76 Christina Birke (Sweden).
77 Viveca Hoff (Sweden), Carole Caldwell (Sunningdale), Maj-Britt (Sweden).
78 Jan Ugale (Coxmoor), Vivien Saunders (Cambridge Meridian).
Other scores:
81 Diane Williams (Canada).
82 Valerie Hassett (Ennis).
84 Pam Williamson (Came Down), Ros Page (Came Down).
92 Mary McKenna (Donabate).
95 Sheila Hartley (Braehead).
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