Keighley makes ideal start to One Day Series

Alexandra Keighley kicked off the opening round of the WPGA One Day Series with victory at Cheshire’s Dunham Forest Golf Club.

The reigning Glenmuir WPGA champion won by three strokes ahead of former One Day Series champion Fern Grimshaw (Wessex Golf Centre) and Joanne Oliver (Knebworth Golf Club).

And Keighley, of Huddersfield Golf Club, admitted she was using the event to prepare for a defence of the Glenmuir title at Northumberland’s De Vere Slaley Hall next month.

Keighley shot a one-over-par round of 73 to ease home in windy conditions at the Altrincham venue.

“I wanted to play in this event because I know the Glenmuir is earlier this year because of the PGA Cup,” she said.

“It’s only five weeks away, so it was important for me to play in this to try and get some form.

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to play in every event of the One Day Series because of the distances involved and it might be that I only get to three of them.

“But it would be nice to defend the Women’s PGA Professional Championship if I can so it’s a case of prioritising this year and fitting events in to suit me.”

Keighley said her excellent start at Dunham Forest allowed her some room for manouevre after a shaky spell midway through.

“I started off with two birdies which set me up nicely but the wind really picked up after the seventh hole and I dropped a few shots.

“Then I got another two birdies at 14 and 15 and even though I bogeyed the last, I felt I played quite nicely considering the conditions which were quite difficult.

“I was pleased with my form especially this early in the season so it’s looking good so far.”