Bishop Auckland’s Jess Hall successfully defended the Durham County Ladies Golf Association Championship, beating Emily Baxter in the final at Houghton-le-Spring.
In the delayed final, Jess beat Houghton-based Emily to win the event for the sixth time – adding to her victories in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020 and 2023.
The final was decided by an excellent approach shot at the 17th from Jess after a close battle on the back nine as Emily made four birdies in six holes from the 10th. Jess meanwhile followed a rocky start by going five under-par for the final 13 holes. Emily’s birdie run got her back to 1dn on the 16th tee, but Jess dug deep to win the 16th and her approach shot from deep rough on 17, to 6ft, proved the winning shot as she closed out the match 3&1.
