Charlotte Naughton beats sister Zara to defend Northumberland County Championship title

England international Charlotte Naughton followed up her international debut with victory in the Northumberland County Championship at Hexham Golf Club – beating her older sister Zara in the event’s final.

Charlotte, 15, became the youngest-ever winner of the event last season and defended the trophy with a 2up win over Zara after they qualified in first and second for the matchplay stages – Charlotte leading the field by eight shots with her one over-par total for 36 holes.

The Naughtons swept the prizes in the County Championship with Zara shooting the lowest single round score (73) in qualifying as Charlotte picked up the Rita Rennie Salver as the leading qualifier, the Richmond Trophy as the leading junior qualifier, and the Connie Burton Salver for posting the lowest nett score.

County captain Anne Moyle said: “This year’s championship was exceptional – the weather, the course at Hexham Golf Club, and the standard of golf really displayed Northumberland Ladies Golf at its best. Charlotte Naughton was a very worthy champion.”