World number one Nadene Gole made history as she successfully defended the English Senior Women’s Stroke Play Championship with a one-shot victory at Abbeydale Golf Club.
The Australian shot six over-par for the tournament – with rounds of 72, 78 and 75 – to become the first overseas player to win the championship in successive years, and the first since Jackie Foster in 2016 and 2017 to win back-to-back.
“Wow it’s fabulous,” said Nadene after collecting the trophy. “Jackie Foster did it 10 years ago and while any win is wonderful, knowing it’s a back-to-back as an international is a fabulous feeling.
“I think this one was a little more difficult. Last year, I had a bit of run [at Gerrards Cross] on the back-nine, but this course is very challenging and Julia [Brook] played very well up until the last five holes.
“I never know how much longer I’ve got to play or compete at this level, so I knew I had to come back and defend. I tried not to be too nervous. I haven’t played a lot of golf in the last six or seven weeks so I felt a little bit rusty out there for a while, but I wanted to come out and enjoy it as much as I could.”
Asked whether she would return to go for a record three wins in a row in 2027 – when the event will be played at Sheringham – Nadene added: “Well, I would love to come back! I’ll never say never! I think tonight we’ll have a very quiet dinner and maybe a glass of Champagne to celebrate!”
Starting the final day two shots behind Julia Brook (Walton Heath), Nadene steadily worked her way into contention on a testing day in Yorkshire. Julia held firm early on, but the pair were tied at the top after 12 holes.
The momentum shifted decisively on the par five 14th, where Julia suffered an unfortunate triple-bogey. Sensing her opportunity, Nadene capitalised in clinical fashion. A steady par on the same hole was followed by a crucial birdie on the 15th, a swing that saw the defending champion move four shots clear with three holes remaining.
Despite opening that cushion, there was still late drama as Nadene bogeyed the 17th and 18th holes to bring the chasing pack back into contention. However, she secured a one-shot victory over 2024 champion Kerry Smith (Waterlooville) as Catryn Geleijnse from The Netherlands finished third, followed by Julia in fourth place.
In the age categories, Kerry claimed the 50-54 prize while Nadene topped the 55-59 division. Sue Wooster (Australia) won the 60-64 category, and Caroline Berry (Royal Liverpool) lifted the Christine Willis Salver for players aged 65 and over.
For the full results, click here.
