Lydia Hall made light of an early wake-up call by sinking six birdies as she played Kedleston Park for the first time without the benefit of a practice round.
The Ladies European Tour ace from Hensol Golf Academy near Cardiff carded a two-under-par 71 at the Derbyshire course to win by one stroke from Saffron Walden Golf Club’s Sarah Smith.
Former US Women’s Open champion Alison Nicholas (Beau Desert) was third on level par.
Hall, who is two years through the PGA training programme, was delighted with her efforts which included late birdies on 16 and 17.
“I’m really pleased to have won. I had six birdies but four bogeys with one three putt. However there were lots of positives,” said Hall who two weeks ago finished tied sixth in the Tipsport Golf Masters in the Czech Republic.
“I haven’t played Kedleston Park before so there were certain tee shots I maybe shouldn’t have taken on but the course was in excellent condition with the greens running nine-and-a-half to ten on the Stimp.
“I’m used to playing on the Ladies European Tour where you have a couple of practice days but here it was a case of up at 4.30am, arrive at 7.30, hit a few warm ups and then straight out there but it’s good to be able to adapt to your environment.”
This was the fourth of the WPGA One Day Series events and again attracted another good turnout of nearly 40.
Hall, who is juggling the demands of PGA training with playing on the tour and coaching commitments at Hensol Golf Academy, is relishing the opportunity to compete on the WPGA circuit.
“It’s working out really well because so far the dates have been when I’ve been off from the tour so it’s fitting in well and I love supporting the PGA events. It’s really nice to see 38 women competing and hopefully helping to grow the game.”
Next up for Hall is the Welsh National PGA Championship, supported by Asbri Golf, at Tenby Golf Club from July 5-6 where she will be up against the likes of former champions Stephen Dodd and ex-Ryder Cup hero Philip Price plus her coach John Peters (Southerndown).
