Keighley lands Glenmuir Women's title

Yorkshire's Alexandra Keighley won her first Glenmuir Women's PGA Professional Championship in dramatic fashion at De Vere Carden Park.

The Huddersfield Golf Club head pro was preparing for a play-off with overnight leader Tracy Loveys but the three-time champion saw a four foot par putt lip out at the par five 18th to hand the title to Keighley by a single stroke.

Lovey's bogey at the last gave the Bigbury Golf Club pro a 75 to share second place at three-over-par with Wellshurst Golf & Country Club's Maria Tulley who had an eventful one-under-par 71 with six birdies and five bogeys.

Keighley began the final round three shots adrift of Loveys but birdies on 10 and 13 helped her to a 71 and the winner's cheque of £1,000.

"I'm really delighted to win, I haven't won for a long time and this is my fifth attempt at the Glenmuir," she said.

"I was expecting a play-off, but that's how it goes sometimes.

"I double bogeyed the 18th in the first round so wasn't very happy last night but I played very solidly today.

"I had a number of birdie chances on the front nine so it could have been an even better round."

Keighley had partner and former Tour caddie Russell Simpson on her bag and she paid tribute to his caddying skills.

"He does all my thinking for me and saves me loads of shots with his experience," she added.

The victory caps a memorable year for Keighley who has been busy establishing herself in her new head pro role at Huddersfield.

"It's been a bit hectic since taking over in April but the members are very supportive and I'm really enjoying the job," she added.

Keighley previously played on the Ladies European Tour but after gaining her PGA qualification built up a strong coaching base at Huddersfield before becoming the head pro.