Dickens knuckles down to maintain WPGA One Day Series form

Suzanne Dickens shook off a bad knuckle injury to clinch her second successive WPGA One Day Series victory in round three at Chestfield Golf Club.

The Nene Park Golf Club pro finished one shot ahead of Knebworth Golf Club’s Joanne Oliver at the Kent venue to strengthen her overall position in the event.

But Dickens had feared she would not play at Chestfield after a hand injury which also threatened her participation in this week’s Glenmuir Women's PGA Professional Championship at De Vere Slaley Hall.

“I had an accident with a fitting tool which went through my left hand and into the bone of my knuckle,” she said.

“I actually didn’t think I would be able to play at Chestfield or in the Glenmuir final but I got it taped up and decided to play.

“And it was okay, I didn’t feel a thing which was a relief. Once I realised the injury wasn’t going to affect my game, I could get on with playing.”

Dickens shared the top of the leaderboard in the previous round at Little Aston but this time she won outright to confirm she is still in peak form despite her injury setback.

The Peterborough-based player added: “This was my fourth win in the last five events which is good for me going into the Slaley Hal final.

“But it was close again. I managed to birdie the 18th - I didn’t know at the time but I needed it to win.

“It was the only decent putt I’d holed all day but I was pleased considering the worries about my hand.

“And the conditions were tough, I thought it would take a lower score to win at Chestfield but it was very windy and it was difficult for everyone out there.

“It’s such a good event though and I’m happy to support it.”