Martindale defies the elements to win at Ormskirk

30/07/2021

Marie Martindale made her long journey from north London to Lancashire worthwhile by winning the latest event in the OCEANTEE WPGA Series at Ormskirk Golf Club.

In doing so, the pro from Hampstead Golf Club defied the damp conditions to post a one under par round of 72 to win the tournament and claim the £700 first prize.

She needed a birdie at the last, however, to prevent Manston Golf Centre’s Keely Chiericato sharing first place with her.

Chiericato, who is scheduled to play in next week’s Rose Series events at nearby Royal Birkdale and Hillside, also birdied the last to finish on level par, a shot clear of the host venue’s Ali Gray.

Not only was Martindale’s birdie putt on the 18^th timely, it also was at odds with that aspect of her game of late.

“I’ve been disappointed with my putting – that seems to have been the main issue all year,” she said. “Looking at stats of 35 or 36 putts kill me when I’m only one or two-over.

“I’m hitting the ball lovely but having three three-putts today is a bit galling. But it was a good finish with a birdie – I holed a nice putt so that was a bonus.”

Another bonus for Martindale was the condition of the course.

“The course is amazing despite the rain,” she added. “It’s in really good condition and held up really well with the weather – there was a lot of rain overnight as well as today. It’s a credit to the golf club to get it looking so good.”

Martindale’s victory has promoted her to third in the Order of Merit on 18.50 points, nine and a half behind the leader, Studley Wood Golf Club’s Maria Tulley. Chiericato is sandwiched between them on 24.5 points.

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