First-time winners in Wittenoom
Albany’s Kim Snowball and Nedlands’ Cath Bellemore have both won their first titles in the Wittenoom Cup and Brenda Wittenoom Open respectively after shooting two strong rounds against tough opposition at Albany Golf Club at the weekend.
The two major events of the popular Wittenoom Cup carnival were held over two days attracting more than 200 golfers from clubs around WA.
Snowball defeated a strong field of competitors including three previous winners, scoring impressive rounds of 68 and 71 to win by four shots from David Dew and 2014 champion Sam Western.
After Saturday’s first round, Snowball and Gordon Tucker were locked together, both firing 68 before Snowball followed that up with 71 on Sunday.
The Albany Golf Club member scored 139 over the two days to secure a maiden Wittenoom Cup, his win continuing the trend of local winners of the event in the past few years.
“I knew I had a good first round hitting a real purple patch, everything was going my way,” he said.
“I just wanted to try to hold it together on the final day after a good first day, I tried to play a bit safe in the last few holes and not throw my chance of winning away.
“I’m really pleased to follow in my brother’s (Ron) footsteps who won the event in 2007, its pretty special.”
Tucker finished back in sixth, seven shots off the leader on 146 after shooting 78 on the final day.
Visiting player Bellemore was also able to secure her maiden Brenda Wittenoom Open title by three shots after Sunday’s second and final round in the 36-stroke event.
A member of Nedlands Golf Club, Bellemore said she had a strong local connection to Albany.
“It means a great deal to win the Wittenoom Cup, my dad was a local GP in Albany and a long-time member of the Albany Golf Club,” Bellemore said.
“I have wonderful memories playing with him and learning, not only about golf but about life.”
Bellemore was in fifth position, one shot behind overnight leaders Nok Burge, Barbara Madden and Marion Nelson, who all shot 72 on the opening day.
She bettered her score on the second day, shooting a brilliant 71 on the final 18 holes to claim the prestigious event with a score of 144.
Bellemore said the weekend was very well run.
“I have played in the cup for the last five years,” she said.
“It’s a great event with fantastic support from all the members who volunteer their time and the sponsors are terrific too with many being long term.
“The course is sensational and one that I will always love playing.
“I didn’t know that I was leading luckily, I might have got really nervous and blown the last few holes.”
Nelson played a great round of 36 holes to finish on 147 while Yvonne Turner was five shots off Bellemore on 149.
Last year’s ladies’ winner Lisa Taylor finished the 36 holes with a score of 151.
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