Malton & Norton-based Carol Simpson won the Ann Howard Trophy (Over 60s) after a comeback win over Sundridge Park’s Kim Morris in the final of the English Senior Women’s Amateur Championship at The Nottinghamshire.
Kim was 2up through seven holes and it stayed that way until the 12th – where Carol was given her birdie putt. The match was then all-square after Carol parred the 14th. A gimme birdie for Kim on 15 saw her edge back ahead, but Carol then parred 16.
On 17, Kim hit trees right and fell behind for the first time in the match. Despite Carol almost going in the water with her second shot on 18, Kim’s approach trickled into a greenside bunker and pars for both players saw Carol complete a 1up win.
The result was a big turnaround for Carol, who looked set to exit the event when she was 3dn with three holes to play in the quarter-finals – only for her opponent to miss a short putt.
“It was tough. I’d been down all the way round till the 17th where the tide turned,” said Carol. “I dug deep and stayed patient. Kim played so steadily. I was thinking she had to make a mistake soon and eventually she did, so I snuck in.
“My heart was in my mouth for my second shot on the 18th! The pond was in play but thankfully it clung onto the rough, so I wedged it up, two-putted and it was just enough. I’m over the moon! The Champagne is on ice as we speak.
“People have probably been thinking, why have I still got my jersey on when the sun is out, but when you’re playing well, you never change anything, so I kept it on and it kept me lucky!”
