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Fiona Elsdon from Brisbane, Australia, was crowned champion of the 29th Bahrain Ladies Open on Saturday at Awali Golf Club … after rain stopped play.
Organisers were hoping that the inclement weather would hold off long enough to allow the two-day tournament to conclude but unfortunately the thundery showers rendered the course unplayable.
Friday was a perfect day for the 28 ladies participating in the event. Cloud cover ensured that it wasn’t too hot and AGC groundsman had worked hard to get the course in top condition after Thursday morning’s downpour.
As the groups progressed, it became clear who the leaders were. After the first 9 holes, scores couldn’t have been closer, however, Fiona Elsdon and Tracy Samson were in joint 1st position with a gross score of 43, followed by Nicky Park, Dena Wales, Susan Scott, Ariette Paul and Lynn St Lawrence all on 44. Following on with 3 strokes behind them were Diane Loney, Hyun Ju Lee, Nicky Bailey and Karin Lutz.
On the final 9 holes, there were a few changes on the leaderboard. Elsdon launched her attack and began to pull away from the pack with birdies on the 13th and 17th holes finishing with a gross score 82, (43,39). Nicky Park’s steady play secured her second position at the end of play with gross 88, (44,44). Dena Wales was 3rd on gross 90, (44,46).
Ariette Paul, Susan Scott and Lynn St Lawrence all vied for 4th position on gross 92 with identical scores on front and back nine holes (44,48). At only one stroke behind with gross 93 were Kerry Diaper (48,45) and Tracy Samson (43,50). Stacey Thomas who birdied the 7th and 17th managed to improve her score on the back nine to finish with gross 94, (50,44) while Sarah Hobday, who had a shaky start, also ended with gross 94, (48,45).
With Fiona 6 strokes ahead of Nicky and 6 strokes separating the next 9 players, Day 2 promised to be an exciting climax. So as the day dawned, the rain clouds moved in, thunder claps were heard across the island and lightning followed soon after.
It was still hoped that the tournament would continue and plans were put in place for a later start but hopes were dashed when the announcement was made that the second day would have to be abandoned due to the rain.
Players were informed that prize-giving would take place at the clubhouse later in the day and the results from the first day would determine the winners. Although the weather had put a damper on the golf, it wasn’t able to ruin the spirits of the people who gathered to congratulate and commiserate with the players.
Club Captain Bill Scarth thanked the participants, the support team and former club president, Steve Brown, recently retired from Bapco, who flew in from the UK to act as tournament director. He was also extremely grateful to sponsors Bapco, Banz, Airmech, Al Haddad, Coca-Cola and African & Eastern. Prizes were presented by Bapco PR manager Nawaf Al Ghanem.
Elsdon, who had only played the course once before, paid tribute to her playing partners for ‘pushing’ her throughout.
AGC is now preparing for the 54th Bahrain Open starting Friday. The forecast is for sunshine so organisers are looking forward to a full weekend of golf.
