Dinsdale duo triumph in Lombard Trophy
Nikki Dunn has wasted little time in inscribing her name in The PGA’s record books.
The Dinsdale Spa assistant pro may be in just her second year at the Durham club but she teamed up with club member Sue Kiddle to become the first winners of the WPGA Lombard Trophy.
Nikki may be new to the pro ranks but she represented Yorkshire and England squad as an amateur, and spent four years playing college golf in the US before turning pro.
Her experience was in evidence at Pestana Vila Sol in Portugal as she and 18-handicapper Sue won the inaugural women’s Lombard Trophy.
Tied on three under-par with Ormskirk and Wike Ridge golf clubs after the first round, the Dinsdale Spa duo prospered while their rivals faltered.
Wike Ridge pair Eleanor Robinson and Gill Swaby-Ward remained on three under-par while Ormskirk’s Ali Gray and Sara Fitzgerald finished a shot further back.
The Dinsdale duo reprised their opening round of 69 to post a tournament total of six under-par and win the event by three shots.
Boasting a shot advantage over Wike Ridge at the turn, the whiff of victory grew stronger as the homeward leg of their journey unfolded.
Four birdies on the back nine tempered by two bogeys ensured their grip on the trophy, and £2,500 winner’s cheque, was never loosened.
“We played steadily, playing one shot at a time and didn’t get ahead of ourselves,” said Nikki.
“We worked well as a pair. When one of us was needed we stepped in. It’s a great start to my career as a pro and I’m delighted Lombard and The PGA have invited women to play in this. It’s something else women can get involved in and make our mark.”
As Sue confirmed, Nikki is doing just that in her role at Dinsdale Spa.
“I’d never played in anything like this before,” she said. “When Nikki said we were through to a regional final I said ‘I can’t play in that’.
“The comfort she gave me was telling me it was a betterball and not greensomes or foursomes.
“I’m thrilled she persuaded me to play and I’ve enjoyed every minute.”
