DONNA POCOCK WINS LAST THREE HOLES FOR SHIRE TITLE

Aberdeenshire president Morag Clapperton (left) and captain Ellie Whyte flank the leading prizewinners at the conclusion of the county championship at Murcar Links. Back row (left to right): Sara Mathieson, Lynne Tough, Laura Murray, Donna Pocock. Front (left to right) Claire Prouse, Lauren Whyte. Image by Cal Carson Golf Agency. By COLIN FARQUHARSON Colin@scottishgolfview.com  Murcar Links women's club champion Donna Pocock staged a grandstand finish over her home course to beat Laura Murray (Alford), the No 1 seed, a Scotland cap and last year's St Rule Trophy winner, by one hole in the Aberdeenshire women's county championship Centenary Final. Donna, playing in the final for the third time in the past four years - she was also county champion in 2008, was two up after eight holes but Laura won the ninth, 10th, 12th and 14th to be two up … and she still led by two with three to play. Pocock, pictured on right by Karen Stalker, then won the 16th, 17th and 18th for a smash-and-grab victory to repeat her 2008 success. Murray, who lost to Michele Thomson in her only other appearance in the final, in 2007, took three to get down from just off the green at the short 16th, drove wide right at the 17th,  too close to one of the few trees on the course and took three to get on the green at this par-4 hole. Then, with both players home in two at the last par-4 hole, Pocock 12ft away and Murray about nine feet, Donna, able to use her local knowledge, wasted no time at all in sinking her birdie putt across the slope while Laura could not follow her in. Pocock was round in an approximate 77 to Murray's 78, allowing for conceded putts. "I drove well and I putted well to beat Sara Mathieson in the morning semi-final and then Laura in the final," said Donna. "I don't think I missed a fairway in the final and that makes a difference." The inaugural county handicap championship was won by the county captain's daughter Lauren Whyte (Hazlehead), who was 21 years old last Thursday. Conceding a stroke, the nine-handicapper came back from three down after six holes to lead by three holes after 14, going on to win by 3 and 2 against another birthday girl, Lynne Tough (Newmachar) who was 42 today. The handicappers' event was introduced at the instigation of past county captain Fiona Hay who has donated the salver for annual competition.It is hoped that there will be a significant rise in the number of entries next year by higher handicap players, now that they see there is a place for them in the championship. Next year's county championship will be played over Royal Aberdeen's Balgownie links. TODAY'S RESULTS  SEMI-FINALS Laura Murray (Alford) bt Claire Prouse (Hazlehead) 6 and 4. Donna Pocock (Murcar Links) bt Sara Mathieson (Murcar Links) 3 and 1. FINAL Pocock bt L Murray 1 hole. HANDICAP CHAMPIONSHIP Final Lauren Whyte (Hazlehead) (9) bt Lynne Tough (Newmachar) (10) 3 and 1 The number of trees on Murcar Links can be counted on the fingers of one hand - but Laura Murray found one at the 17th in the final off her drive and she could only play a restricted swing for her second shot which came up short of the green - and contributed to her loss of the hole, which allowed Donna Pocock to square the final.

Donna Pocock in action at the 17th as she comes from two down with three to play to win the title