Tynemouth’s Rebecca Ferguson won the Northumberland Ladies County Golf Association Championship for the second time at Bedlingtonshire – beating Ponteland’s Louisa Hamilton in the event’s final.
Following the 36-hole strokeplay qualifying stage, which was led by The Northumberland’s Antonia Emmerson on six over-par, the top eight competed in the matchplay rounds over two days. In two extremely close semi-finals, Rebecca birdied the 18th and 19th holes to beat Zara Naughton while Louisa beat defending champion Antonia.
In an equally close final, Rebecca – who won the event for the first time in 2021 – won the match at the 17th hole having led from the second.
“It feels incredible to be county champion again,” said Rebecca. “I can’t believe I’ve won it again, and to do it after three really close matches with three amazing players makes it even more special.
“Bedlingtonshire is long and tough, particularly in the wind, and I played so well throughout the event,” added Rebecca, who was eight over-par after nine holes in the qualifying rounds before playing the next 27 holes in one under-par. She also didn’t drop a shot in the final.
“Having Amelia [Temperley] caddying for me in the matchplay was amazing and she helped me so much. Without her it could have been so different, and I can’t thank her enough for helping me. The finish in the semi-final, birdieing 18 to keep the match going, was brilliant. To follow that with a brilliant five-iron at the first to win the match was awesome.
“The final was just as close, and Amelia really helped me again. Louisa played really well but I just kept making pars. I was so happy when I closed out the win on 17.
“My game is good, and my uncle John [McKenna] is helping me get my swing to where I want it to be. I can’t wait to play the County Champion of Champions at the end of the season, and to represent Northumberland in County Match Week as our champion again.”
Meanwhile, Antonia retained the Junior Championship trophy following her performance in the strokeplay stage of the event.
