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Friday, July 27, 2007

ENGLISH LADIES GOLF ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE

YORKSHIRE'S JODI EWART WINS ENGLISH
(CLOSED) STROKE-PLAY TITLE

Yorkshire’s Jodi Ewart wins English strokeplay championship
International Jodi Ewart (right) claimed her first national title when she won the English strokeplay championship by two shots at Silloth-on-Solway in Cumbria.
“This is just wow!” said the 19-year-old from Catterick Golf Club in Yorkshire, who also won the U23 and U21 trophies.
She moved into the lead with a two over par 75 in the third round of the 72-hole tournament, which was played in relentless strong winds. In the final round she played very solid golf to defeat the tough conditions and, despite a double bogey five on the 16th, she came in with another 75.
“I set myself a game plan, not to get ahead of myself and to take it one shot at a time. It worked - and this win means so much,” she said.
Jodi was 12-over par for the tournament, two clear of Danielle Montgomery (Lambourne). Sarah Attwood (Gog Magog) climbed the leaderboard into third place, helped by a third round of level par 73. She finished on 15-over.
Lincolnshire 16-year-old Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa) (pictured left with Club Captain Steve Berry) held the lead at the halfway stage but fell back to fourth place over the final 36 holes with a pair of 80s. But her play impressed spectators and she won the U18 trophy. The tough conditions during the championship were reflected by the CSS which was 76, 77, 78, 76.
This is Jodi’s biggest individual win but only the latest in her long list of golfing successes. She won her first full England cap as a 17-year-old and she holds a gold medal and two bronzes from European team championships.
Next month she returns to the University of New Mexico, where she had an outstanding first year, winning one tournament and finishing the 2006/07 American college season ranked 20th nationwide
The win was also some compensation for being left out of the GB&I team for the Vagliano Trophy, which takes place this weekend. “I was disappointed – but I don’t think I’ll ever know how they work,” said Jodi.
She loves team golf and remarked: “I love playing for England - I got my first pink jumper when I was 14. I’ve also had fantastic support from ELGA which just helps so much and I’m so grateful.
“But if I ever get a chance to play for GB&I I will try my hardest for them. I always try my hardest for whichever team I’m in.”
Meanwhile Danielle Montgomery was encouraged by her performance as she prepares for final qualifying for the women’s British Open and for her appearance at the first stage of Japanese Tour school qualifying in mid-August.
I have put in four solid rounds, under the conditions, I struck it well and I didn’t get nervy,” said Danielle who has been learning to speak Japanese. “I can take a lot out of this week and hopefully carry on.”
The U23 county team trophy was won by Lancashire: Corisande Lee (West Lancashire) and Louisa Stirling (Formby Ladies’).
Full scores: www.englishladiesgolf.org

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