Dickens double makes for a memorable year

Suzanne Dickens is celebrating a double success this year after winning the WPGA One Day Series.

The Peterborough player had already sealed her place at the top of the WPGA Order of Merit before the final event of seven held at Forest Pines Golf Club.

But she arrived as newly-crowned WPGA Professional Championship winner after taking the title at Blairgowrie Golf Club just five days earlier.

It meant a tiring schedule for Dickens, of Thorpe Wood Golf Course.

And she produced a four-over-par round of 78 to finish joint sixth at Forest Pines.

But her consistent play during the season, including victory at Kedleston Park in June, ensured she finished well ahead of the nearest challenger Joanne Hodge of Hamptworth Golf & Country Club.

The final round was won by amateur player Megan Clarke of England Golf who shot an even-par round of 74.

But Dickens said she was committed to playing every round of the One Day Series - and will return next year.

She hopes that it will become more popular.

“I’d love to see this series grow and more WPGA members take part,” said Dickens.

“I wanted to support it and play every round because I’d like to see more events like it.

“It’d be great to see this extended to something like 20 rounds and I will play it again next year, that’s already an aim.”

But Dickens could not hide her joy at what has been a huge week.

“To win at Blairgowrie and top the Order of Merit has just left me feeling over the moon,” she added.

“They were my targets and it really has been a big week for me so I’m delighted.”

Dickens has had injury problems in the past, even this year she suffered from concussion after a fall in her hotel shower at the Italian Open - and she had about of food poisoning after playing in the Czech Republic.

“I’m already looking to next season and I want to get back in the gym to work on my fitness this winter,” she said.

“But I also want to work on my putting.”