Golf: Kerry Smith misses out on national amateur title

Kerry Smith, from Waterlooville Golf Club, was defeated by Elaine Ratcliffe in an extra-hole decider at the English Senior Women's Amateur Championship.

The final, held at Bedfordshire Golf Club, saw both players draw on their extensive experience, but it was Ratcliffe who ultimately came out on top.

Elaine Ratcliffe won the English Senior Women's Amateur Championship. (Image: England Golf)

Smith’s journey to the final began with a hard-fought semi-final win over Anne Wheble of Dartford, where she overturned a two-hole deficit at the turn.

The match stayed close through the back nine, with Wheble making a standout up-and-down for par on the 16th from the 17th tee box.

However, Smith responded with a 15-foot birdie putt to stay in contention and eventually clinched the match 2-up on the final hole.

In the final, Ratcliffe came out strong and was 4-up at the turn, but Smith steadily fought back, winning two holes and producing a crucial sand save on the 17th to force the match down the last.

Smith made par on the 18th to take the contest into extra holes, and her approach to five feet on the first play-off hole looked set to complete a remarkable comeback.

But Ratcliffe rolled in a 15-foot putt for birdie, and Smith was unable to extend the match with her putt.

Ratcliffe said: "I can't really believe it. I came to play this week just to see what it's like - I'm just gobsmacked and over the moon.

"To win an English Championship is huge, to win the Ladies (in 1998) and this is really special to me.

"I knew I just had to keep playing shots.

"I frittered a little bit on the back-nine, I just got tired as I'm not used to playing 36 holes.

"On 17 I thought I might have it but Kerry hit a phenomenal bunker shot - it was worldly."

Ratcliffe continued: "It wasn't a very good shot into 18, but I saw the putt (on the 19th hole), the green looked good and I made a good roll at it.

"But I did think she'd hole her putt to keep the match going."