A GOLFER from Droitwich secured the biggest win of her fledgling career with a stunning victory at the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open Championship.
Grace Bowen, a student at the University of Stirling, claimed a two-shot victory over nearest challenger Jessica Ross from Ireland.
The 54-hole stroke play event took place at Royal Troon in South Ayrshire
Bowen posted scores of 71 and 69 on the Portland Course and produced another round of 71 on the final day on the Old Course.
The Droitwich golfer finished on five-under par, two shots clear of Ross to clinch the title.
Bowen said: “I’m just so happy to have won. To win a stroke play event of this importance is the best victory to date.
“It’s been a great week in challenging conditions and Jess made it really difficult for me, but I’m so proud to have won.
“I’ve now got exams coming up so the clubs will be locked away for a week or two.
“But I’ll enjoy this for a few more hours before I start to think about time in the library.”
The drama went to the final hole as closest challenger Ross saw her approach from 140 yards strike the pin and dance around the cup.
An eagle from the fairway would have turned the heat up on Bowen as Ross made an easy birdie.
However, Bowen held her nerve to card a steady par and seal the title.
Bowen came out on top in a 120-strong field with golfers from 15 different nations vying for the prestigious title.
The maths undergraduate won a Student Tour Series event in Spain earlier this year.
She finished runner-up in the English Women’s Amateur Championship at Royal Liverpool last year.
Grace’s dad Adrian caddied for her throughout the tournament.
Bowen will also receive an invite to a LETAS event because of the Helen Holm trophy counting towards the new European Amateur Order of Merit.
