Rose Ladies Series 2023: Hordle golf pro Liz Young birdies the last hole to take title
Hordle golf pro Liz Young has won the fourth round of the 2023 Rose Ladies Series by one stroke, taking home a £10k purse at Bearwood Lakes Golf Club in Wokingham.
The Ladies European Tour competitor finished three-under-par to take her third win at the tournament which she helped create.
The 40-year-old mum shot 69 to beat the previous event winner Gabriella Cowley.
Liz, whose home course is Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club, is currently in her 15th year on the Ladies European Tour (LET) and won the Swiss Open in 2022, and she is one of the few mothers who successfully competes on the tour.
A delighted Liz told the A&T: "On the last hole, I hit a good drive down the fairway, and I had 186 yards to the pin, uphill and into the wind. So I used my hybrid and left myself a 12-foot putt, which I one-putted for a birdie.
"I didn't know who had what scores, I knew there were some good players behind me, but I knew that at three-under I had a chance.
"I'm excited to get my first win of the season, as it's always good to get it under the belt nice and early."
The birdie on the final hole gave Liz a one-shot lead, avoiding the need for a playoff. She started with two birdies in the first three holes to go two-under before further birdies on the eighth, 14th and 18th.
Liz added: "I knew I was playing well heading into Bearwood, as I'd been able to play five LET events this year, but I had a gap in my schedule as I've been more mum than golfer recently with the Easter holidays, but I knew my swing was in good shape and I was excited to get competing again.
"It's not easy competing at this level and being a mum. Obviously, I want to put her first, so I don't have as much time to practise as my rivals, and time management needs to be excellent. That's why I'm so grateful to my family, who are a massive support."
In 2020, Liz grew tired of cancelled Ladies European Tour tournaments, so she took matters into her own hands. She linked up with fellow Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club member pro Jason MacNiven and set up a new event to help keep female golfers competitive, with the prize money coming from player entry fees.
Media coverage drew the attention of Hampshire-born golfer Justin Rose MBE, former number one and major champion, along with his wife Kate, who stepped up to offer their support and further prize money.
American Golf and Computacenter UK matched the total as title sponsors, and the Rose Ladies Series was born.
American Golf marketing director Scott Taylor said: "We are delighted that Liz has become the 2023 Rose Ladies Series fourth event winner. American Golf is proud to back this inspirational tournament which aligns perfectly with our values.
"The American Golf team wishes Liz all the very best for the rest of the season."
Liz had been scheduled to feature in the fifth round of the Rose Ladies Series at The Grove, but after a call from the LPGA, she will now play for Team England in the Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.
It is a team competition of eight countries, with the best four players in each country's team from the Rolex World Rankings selected.
Liz is looking for sponsorship support, contact her on lizbennett01@hotmail.com