A change of scenery in the form of a tournament in Scotland worked wonders for Keely Chiericato as she boosted her chances of qualifying for the Women’s PGA Cup team.
The OCEANTEE WPGA Series event at Lanark Golf Club was the first to be played outside England and Chiericato responded with a convincing victory despite being almost 500 miles from home.
Chiericato, who represent Manston Golf Centre in Kent, posted a four-under par score of 70 to finish three shots clear of Alison Nicholas and six ahead of Order of Merit pacemaker Abigail O’Riordan.
With two events that carry Order of Merit ranking points left to play, Chiericato’s chances of successfully defending the title she has won for the past two seasons have gone unless O’Riordan experiences a stumble of Devon Loch proportions.
However, Nicholas and Ali Gray, her main rivals for the last place in Sarah Bennett’s team to play in the Women’s PGA Cup in New Mexico in October, are catchable. Especially if she reprises the form she displayed at the home of PGA chairman Alan White.
A perfect start of successive birdies followed by another at the par-four sixth left her three-under at the turn before she made amends for two bogeys on the back nine with an eagle at the par-five 14th and birdie at 11.
“It was a good round of golf,” she reflected. “I left some out there, believe it or not. I gave myself plenty of opportunities, so I was happy to be competing.”
Meanwhile, the addition of the venue to the schedule was welcomed by WPGA chair Tracy Loveys and Nicholas.
“The course was awesome,” said the former. “I would like to extend a huge thank you to Alan White, his staff, the clubhouse team and the greenkeepers for looking after all of the OCEANTEE WPGA Series competitors and making us feel so welcome.”
“I second that,” added the latter. “It’s a brilliant golf course and thanks to all the staff at Lanark Golf Club for looking after us.”
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