Jamie-Lee clinches ‘shock’ win to record first One Day success

Jamie-Lee Casling admitted her first WPGA One Day Series victory was a reward for two years spent battling back from injury.

Casling (pictured), of Gloucester’s Brickhampton Court club, recorded an impressive three-under-par round of 70 in the sixth event of the year held at Salisbury & South Wilts Golf Club.

She beat Sian James, of Wales’s Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club, by one shot to clinch a memorable win.

And although Suzanne Dickens, of Peterborough’s Thorpe Wood Golf Course, posted a six-over 79 at the Wiltshire venue, her results in the first half of the series meant she has topped the Order of Merit with one round still to play, leading the way from Test Valley’s Claire Duffy.

Now Casling is setting her sights on improving next year following this result.

“This is the first year I’ve been able to concentrate fully on playing in this series,” she explained.

“Two years ago, I dislocated my knee, I did it in the May but didn’t get the operation I needed until October.

“That meant I spent 2013 recovering and I only played in a couple of rounds.

“So to win here was a reward for all the hard work I’ve put on during that time.

“But I admit winning was a bit of a shock if I’m honest!”

Casling beat a strong field and her score was boosted by two eagles at the ninth and 16th holes.

“I holed a long putt at the ninth and chipped in at the 16th so I was pleased with that,” she added.

“It was definitely my best ever performance in this competition, I’ve played in five of the events this year.

“But I’ve had to be patient to get there. I’d like to take this form into next year and build on it if I can.

“I’m really excited by the result. But now I want to make sure I carry on practicing and playing through the winter months.”