NEWS RELEASE FROM THE SLGA

ALICE TAKES ROUTE 66 TO STRATHMORE VICTORY

Alice Hewson (Berkamstead) birdied the final hole for a career best second round of 66 and won the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association Under-16 Open Stroke Play Championship at Strathmore Golf Centre, Alyth.

The Hertfordshire 15-year-old, who finished fifth on her debut last year, finished on five under par 139 and claimed the title by two shots from Sophie Madden (West Sussex).

German-based Fiona Liddell was the best of the Scots. She fired a 76 in the first round and added a super 70 for joint fifth on 146 on a day that included a 30 minute delay due to frost.

Hewson was thrilled with the victory. “I’m delighted and amazed,” said the scratch golfer who is coached by Lawrence Farmer. “My goal is to get into the GB and Ireland Junior Vagliano team for France in June.

“Today’s was my best ever score. I love the Strathmore course and everyone is so welcoming.

“A couple of years ago I won the English Girls’ under-13 title and was runner-up last year at under-15 level. Eventually I want to turn professional.”

Hewson had eight birdies in the final round – the only real blemish was an out-of-bounds double-bogey at the 11th.

Liddell was equally delighted with her second day score. “That’s my best ever round in Scotland,” said the 15-year-old, who lives near Dortmund.

Liddell’s father comes from Falkirk and her mother is German. “I was born in Germany but always wanted to play for Scotland,” she said. “I’ll be back for all the tournaments this summer.”

In the first round, West Lancashire’s Eloise Healey shot the best score of level par 72. She birdied three of the last four holes to finish one ahead of Hewison, Madden and Ireland’s Olivia Mehaffey (Royal County Down).

In the second round, Healey shot 74 for 146, Madden bogeyed the last for a 68 and 141 and Mehaffey was third on two under par after a 69.
England – Hewson, Healey and Madden - won the team event with a 279 total.

The trophy for the best handicap score went to Haggs Castle’s Jennifer Rankine. Playing of 28, she had net scores of 69 and 62.
Jennifer is pictured on the right (courtesy of the SLGA).
At the prize giving, it was announced that Strathmore, host for the past four seasons, will become the permanent home for the Championship that is now into its 16th year.