JENNIFER RANKINE RETAINS THE RENFREWSHIRE JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

RLCGA JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL 

Report by County Captain Gillian Kyle

Jennifer and Anna

The Renfrewshire Junior Championship Final was played at Eastwood Golf Club yesterday afternoon (Sunday 21st August) in lovely sunny conditions. It was a repeat of last year's final between Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle ) and Anna Mackenzie (East Renfrewshire) which Jennifer had won comfortably. 
Yesterday's match, however, was much closer-with Anna winning the 1st hole with a birdie! Jennifer responded winning the next 2 holes, also with birdies! A couple of poor holes by Anna gave Jennifer a comfortable lead of 3up after the 6th but she fought back to be 1 down after 8. Another birdie at the 9th, let Jennifer be 2 up at the turn, with a front 9 of 37. (1 over par). 
A lovely birdie putt from just off the green at the short 11th saw her lead extend to 3 again. But Anna won the 12th with a good up and down for par and the 13th was halved in birdie 4's. A loose 2nd shot by Anna at the 14th let Jennifer win the hole with a par. Jennifer overshot the green at the par 3 15th but recovered with a lovely chip  and sunk her putt for her par. Anna had played a lovely tee shot but just missed the birdie putt so now Jennifer was 3 up with 3 to play. 2 good drives at the 16th but adrenaline kicked in for Anna and she put her 2nd shot into the back left bunker. Jennifer played safely on to the green and 2 putts was enough to give her the Championship for the 3rd time.
Both girls were a credit to their clubs and their families. It was a lovely game to referee and watch. 

Congratulations Jennifer and hard luck Anna. You both played some lovely golf.

Jennifer

Anna