POLISHED golfer Joanna Flaherty has stamped her credentials as an early leader in the Warrnambool Golf Club’s women’s club championship, shooting a score of 76 to clinch victory on the first day of the competition.
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Flaherty downed Kathy Jenkins (78) and Di Howland (78) to emerge as the winner of the first round.
The 21-year-old said she was pleased with her efforts, particularly after tough weather conditions plagued the day’s play.
“I got off to a bit of a slow start, but the weather didn’t really work in our favour,” she said.
“It was quite windy as the rain came and went. The course was a little soft underfoot. I think I did alright.
“I always go into a tournament wanting to well, and I try not to think about the competition too much. I just focus on my game because it’s all I can control.”
Flaherty said the club championship, along with golfing commitments in Melbourne, would take her immediate focus over the summer.
“It’s going to be a fairly busy summer,” she said.
“There are a few tournaments coming up in Melbourne that I’m practicing for at the moment, along with the club championships.
“I’m just going out there to get the lowest score I can get and to play as well as I can.”
In the B grade of the championships, Alana Ellery emerged with the best score of the day – 75 – to take out the win.
She was followed by Alexis Creed, who finished second with a score of 77, c/b while Sue Sambell finished third with a total of 77.
In the C grade, Jessie Johnson – who is not playing in the championship – finished first, with a total of 81, while Lorie Adams took out second place with a score of 85 c/b.
Lyn Wood and Trish Riordan shared the spoils of third place, with both golfers shooting totals of 85.
The second round of the women’s club championships will begin next Wednesday, while the third will take place on the Wednesday after that.
The final round will take place on Sunday, October 30.
The men’s club championships will hit off this Saturday.
Golfers will compete for the title over four rounds including the next three Saturday’s with the final round to be held on Sunday October 30.
Alistair Gillin is the reigning champion, having also won in 2012.
Other recent winners include Simon Goggin (2014) and Warren Burgess (2013).
The club is also catering for its future champions with a weekly junior competition held each Sunday.
This is for school-aged children and has an advanced section for those who already have handicaps as well as a nine-hole par three competition for those newer to the game.
