Calif Senior Women's Am: Barker defends

May 18, 2011 | by Lynne Cowan of AmateurGolf.com

-- photo CWAC committee

Tina Barker comes from four behind to capture her second California Senior Women's Championship title

SALINAS, Calif. (May 18, 2011) -- Defending champion Tina Barker birdied her final hole to clinch her second California Women's Senior Amateur. Battling the winter-like rainy conditions and cold temperatures, Barker, of Vacaville, finished the 54-hole event at 233 (78-79-76) one stroke ahead of Sandy Woodruff, the 2001 and 2003 champion.

Barker's final round 76 including 4 birdies and a triple bogie at number ten. But it was number 18 that sealed the deal. She hit a four iron to six feet. After watching Woodruff's final putt hang on the lip, Barker rolled in her putt for the win, avoiding a play-off.

"I can't believe it, I actually won this one. I played hard to win it." Barker commented.

As Barker doesn't keep track of her opponents scores, she really didn't know where she stood going into number 18. Her goal was to just hang in there.

Putting was challenging for the field at Corral de Tierra Country Club. The championship conditions of hard fast greens were the deciding factor. Barker commented, " A lot of players were missing 2 and 3 footers. It seemed like all the putts were breaking putts."

During her speech at the awards ceremony, Barker, always with a sense of humor, mentioned that she got her naps in this weekend at work so she could play better in the tournament. Tina is an air traffic controller.

Sandy Woodruff finished in second place with 234 (77-76-81). First round leader, Mitsue Lewis of San Diego finished in third at 235 (73-83-79). Six-time champion Marianne Towersey, of Pebble Beach took fourth at 236 (77-77-82). Also in the field was Mary Budke, formerly of Oregon, who has retired to Palm Springs. Budke, an eight-time Oregon State Champion and the 1972 U.S. Women's Amateur Champion, finished in 15th place.

Suzie Fisher of Pebble Beach won the Super Senior Division (70+) with a 262 (89-87-86).

About the California Senior Women's Amateur

The California Senior Women’s Amateur Championship started in 1979 and has been played at Old Del Monte Golf Course, Laguna Seca, Carmel Valley Ranch, Bayonet and Black Horse, Poppy Hills, and Corral de Tierra Country Club. Age Limit: 50 and over (Su...

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