The two started the day tied for the lead on 147, eight clear of four-time champion Chris Spivey in third place.

However, after just two holes, Raines of Florence found herself down by four to Schlich of Auburn. Raines bogeyed her first two holes and Schlich started birdie-birdie.

“I was upset at my start and Nancy started like a house on fire,” Raines, who shot rounds of 72-75-75–222, said.

After matching bogeys on No. 3 the deficit was still four, but then Schlich got on a “bogey train” with bogeys on Nos. 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 16 before a closing birdie for her round of 76.

Conversely Raines settled down after her slow start with a birdie on No. 9 and the rest pars until she closed with bogeys on Nos. 16 and 18.

“I really had no idea who had won when I came off the final green. I knew it was close and we right down to the wire. I purposely didn’t want to know as I didn’t want to get too tense.”

This is Raines’ first state title in golf. She won state titles as a young girl swimming for the Florence swim team and played college tennis at Auburn. She did not take up the game of golf until she was 40 and had not played it seriously until she retired from teaching a few years ago. She has played in five USGA Women’s Senior Amateur championships.

Raines, who lost in a playoff to Martha Lang in this championship in 2009, was playing in her third Women’s State Senior.

“Third time’s a charm. I tell you I couldn’t sleep last night I was so on edge, but I’ll sleep well tonight. I’m so glad to come out on top after a great battle with Nancy.”

This championship is open to ladies who are 50 years old and above and is 54 holes of stroke play.

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