Jackie Foster, representing Bishops Stortford, clinched the English Senior Women’s Amateur Championship at York Golf Club after a dramatic week for the 59-year-old golfer.
Her victory was marked by a series of impressive performances that underscored her resilience and skill.
Foster’s journey to the championship was not without its challenges. Nearly missing the cut on Wednesday evening, she benefitted from an unfortunate triple-bogey by Maggie Lowe (Hankley Common), which allowed Foster to sneak into the match play stages as the 16th seed.
Faced with the daunting task of competing against the top-seeded Emma Brown (Malton & Norton), who led the stroke play stages by seven shots, Foster delivered a stunning front-nine performance with three birdies to win 3&2.
This victory propelled her through subsequent matches against Karen Jobling (Richmond, Yorks) and Sarah Naden (The Wilmslow), ultimately leading to a final showdown with Caroline Berry.
In the final, Foster showcased her exceptional skill and composure. She started strong with an eagle on the 3rd and a par on the 5th, going 2-up early in the match.
Despite some challenges, including a penalty on the 6th, her short game and putting prowess proved decisive.
Foster nearly aced the 11th for a tap-in birdie and managed to fend off Berry’s attempts to capitalize on her mistakes, ultimately securing a 3&2 victory and lifting the Wendy Taylor Salver.
Reflecting on her unexpected success, Foster said: “On Wednesday evening, I didn’t quite have my bags packed but I was thinking I’ve just missed the cut and I should have played better, but I scraped in as 16th qualifier. If there was a turning point in the week, that was certainly it! I felt like I had nothing to lose so each match was a bonus.”
Foster’s victory at York Golf Club adds to her impressive list of achievements in senior women’s golf.
She has previously won the Senior Women’s Stroke Play in 2016 and 2017, the Senior Women’s County Champion of Champions in 2021, and The R&A Senior Women’s Amateur in 2023 at Woodhall Spa.
Meanwhile, in the Ann Howard Trophy (over 60s), Sheree Dove-Wilde from Camberley Heath secured her second title after a 3&2 victory over Angela Jones (Canterbury).
Dove-Wilde, who previously won the trophy in 2021, showcased her consistency and endurance throughout the competition.
Dove-Wilde’s final match saw her take an early lead with birdies on the 2nd and 5th holes, maintaining a 4-up advantage through 10 holes.
Although Jones fought back, reducing the deficit to just one shot after 14 holes, Dove-Wilde’s steady play ensured her victory. She remarked on her achievement:“It was very exciting. It was great to win it a second time so I’m very pleased”.
“The first three rounds, to be in the 70s, I was really proud of myself and that stands out for me”.
“Taking the age into consideration, I’m pleased to have survived five days of golf!”
“I haven’t played 36 holes since this competition last year, so playing 54 holes, then 36 on Thursday and 18 today, I’m absolutely shattered.”
Dove-Wilde’s path to the final included a tense semi-final against Clare MacLeod, where a crucial four-foot putt on the last hole secured her a 1-up victory.
She described her approach: “I told myself to just keep doing what I’d been doing, nice and steady – fairways, green and roll the putt up. Don’t do anything silly!”
Both Foster and Dove-Wilde’s triumphs highlight the competitive spirit and dedication prevalent in senior women’s golf, inspiring many with their perseverance and skill on the course.
