Curtis Cup golfer Lily May Humphrys won the Welsh Ladies Open Stroke Play at Royal St David’s in Harlech, with a commanding display in tough conditions.
The 17-year-old Essex golfer, who finished third in the Welsh Women’s Open last year and represented Team GB in the Youth Olympics, won by four shots with a second round 70 in strong wind giving her a lead she never lost.
Former British Girls champion Humphrys was lying joint second after the opening round, but moved into a four shot lead lead on the second day and maintained that on the final day to close 10 under par.
“I got off to a good start in the last round and was able to enjoy it all the way,” she said. “I set myself the goal of finishing double figures under par, so I was pleased to be able to do that.
“I played pretty well all through the week, but the second day was the key because it was really windy, the first few holes were really tough but then I got on a roll on the last 11 holes to take a lead into the last day.
“It is great to get a win early in the season because it sets you up for everything that is ahead, also I like to get different golf experiences.
“I have played St David’s before and I like it a lot, even though it can play quite hard because of the conditions. Certainly it suited me.
“I am off to the Irish Ladies next, with the English Women’s closed at the end of the month.”
Humphrys combines home schools with playing almost full-time golf, with the ambition to play some Ladies European Tour events to gain experience before turning professional.
The top Wales player was West Byfleet’s Katherine O’Connor in ninth, a closing 71 lifting her up the leaderboard. Harriet Lockley, Isle of Wedmore, and Lauren Hillier, Newport, were tied 22nd, with Carys Worby, Newport Links, tied 24th.
“Congratulations to Lily, who played some really good golf in difficult conditions at times in Harlech,” said Wales golf championships manager David Wilson.
“The quality of golf on show was very impressive on a true championship links course. Three rounds of seventy and below to win was extremely impressive.
“Royal St David’s was a magnificent test for many of the best amateur women in the UK, with a few competitors coming from mainland Europe as well. It was great to see such a strong field competing in one of our big Welsh events on such a top venue.”