Lyme Regis play host to a ‘top class’ English Girls’ Under16/14 championships

Lyme Regis Golf Club was privileged to host the English Girls’ Under 16/14 Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship, writes Richard Jackman.

Franscesca Fiorellini (aged 13) receiving the English Girls' Under 16/14 Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship U14 trophy. Picture; CONTRIBUTED - Credit: Archant

Following Molinari’s win in the Open and Georgia Hall’s win in the Women’s British Open, it was perhaps a coincidence that the under 14 competition was won by an Italian and that Hall was a previous winner.

Franscesca Fiorellini (aged 13) won with a final round score of two under par to finish one over par for the three rounds and win by a convincing five shots from Anna Neumayer of Austria, and Somerset’s Patience Rhodes.

Fifteen-year-old Kerttu Hiltunen, from Finland, won the under 16 competition by an incredible 11 shot margin, bettering par on each of her four rounds, two of which were on the last day, to stand head and shoulders above her nearest rivals.

Finishing on level par were British girls Ellie Gower, Rafiah Banday, and Jess Baker.

Franscesca Fiorellini (aged 13) receiving the English Girls' Under 16/14 Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship U14 trophy. Picture; CONTRIBUTED - Credit: Archant

One member helping out on the course commented: “I am so impressed by their determination, perseverence and, above all, skill level.”

England Golf posted: “We had a fabulous week at LRGC for the U14/16 Girls championship. A very big thank you to the super staff, members and volunteers.”