Lily Hirst of Huddersfield emerged victorious at the English Women’s Open Stroke Play event with a final round score of 70, securing a four-shot win at Stoneham Golf Club in Hampshire.
After starting with rounds of 71 and 75 on the par-74 course, Hirst carded a steady 74 in the morning session. She then unleashed her best in the afternoon, including a crucial eagle on the 7th hole, to finish with a final round score of four-under 70. This performance ensured a comfortable victory over the second-placed Darcey Harry from Royal Porthcawl in Wales. The duo were the only competitors to finish under par for the tournament.
Reflecting on her win, Hirst said, “I’m speechless. I feel like I’ve been dreaming of winning a tournament like this after I won the Champion of Champions a few years ago. I shot level-par in the morning and I was only one back heading into the final 18, so I thought I should attack everything and hole a few more putts as I left a few short in the morning. I knew I needed to shoot low.”
“The 7th is obviously driveable, and I hit a 5-wood and it bounced perfectly onto the green. I had a six-foot putt downhill, I got over it and as soon as I looked at the hole, I knew I was going to hole it. As soon as I did hole it, I knew it was going to be a good day.”
On the final day, Darcey Harry had a strong start with three birdies in the opening three holes while fellow competitor Millie Cottrell managed an eagle on the 4th hole after displaying exceptional form on day two.
Davina Xanh of Burnham & Berrow also made a late charge with a three-under third round and back-to-back birdies in the final round. However, she stumbled on the 16th hole, finishing in third place overall. Austria’s Johanna Ebner also showcased great skill but dropped shots in the final round, ending tied for 4th place.
In the midst of a competitive field, Hirst maintained her lead and clinched a well-deserved victory.
For all the scores from the 2024 English Women’s Open Stroke Play, click here.
