Hodge hits course record

Joanne Hodge produced a stunning victory and set a course record in the WPGA One Day series third round at Salisbury and South Wilts Golf Club.

The Tidworth Garrison Golf Club assistant won by a commanding five shots ahead of Kington Golf Club’s Sarah Walton.

Hodge, who was second in the WPGA Order of Merit last year, carded a four under par round of 69 to leave her rivals standing.

Now Hodge, who is in her second year as a professional, is hoping the display will kick start her season - and give her future ambitions a boost.

“I played at Little Aston earlier in the year and didn’t do that well but after being second in the Order of Merit last year I felt I had a chance to do well again,” she said.

“I was pleased with the way I played here, but the winning margin was quite unusual and it surprised me.

“Now I want to play the rounds at Kedleston Park and South Herts and hopefully pick up some more points.”

Hodge won her first event as a professional last year when she beat Suzanne Dickens in the second WPGA One Day Series event at Little Aston.

The former England amateur had planned to go on to the Tour circuit but a case of tennis elbow held up her progress and she decided to take the PGA training route instead.

“I would like to get on to the tour eventually,” she said.

“But when I got the injury I felt the PGA training was best for me.

“Now I want to get my confidence back up again and results like this can help me do that.”

Hodge is now based at a club which lives up to its name.

“When you’re playing you can see tanks going by and here shots going off,” she added.

“So there is a close association with the nearby barracks.”