Dickens aims for better luck in Blairgowrie final

Suzanne Dickens admits she is hoping for a problem-free Glenmuir Women’s PGA Professional Championship final this year.

Dickens, of Peterborough’s Thorpe Wood Golf Course, won the qualifying event for the second year running at Little Aston Golf Club in Sutton Coldfield.

The Ladies European Tour player qualified for her first final 12 months ago after the completion of her foundation degree meant she was eligible for the event.

But she suffered a bout of sickness during the showpiece at De Vere Slaley Hall in Northumberland and her chances of victory disappeared.

Now she will return to the final with six other qualifiers who will line up for the £5,000 event to be held at Blairgowrie Golf Club in Scotland on August 7-8.

Dickens admitted that 2013 had been a year to forget after string of health and injury worries.

“I was ill during the final last year so I certainly hope I can avoid anything like that this time,” she said.

“It was disappointing as it was my first Glenmuir final so I’m delighted to be back again this year.

“But things didn’t get any better, I had an accident while coaching which left me with a swollen finger.

“Then in September I did a skydive which I loved, and I didn’t have a bad landing or anything like that, but a few days later I couldn’t lift my arm so I’m not sure what happened.

“So this year I think I just want to avoid doing anything stupid!”

Dickens could hardly have made a batter start at Little Aston as she made an eagle at the first hole.

That proved to be the difference as she recorded a two-under-par round of 72 at the Midlands venue.

That was enough to win ahead of Sarah Walton, of Herefordshire’s Kington Golf Club, by one shot.

“I made an awesome start,” said Dickens. “I holed a long putt to get down in two. And when there are only seven spots available for the final that gives you a big boost.

“I kept it steady for rest of the round after that and made sure I got through.