CRESWELL, Ore. — Leilani Norman (Eugene, Ore.) defeated Lisa Smego (Olympia, Wash.) 3 and 2 on Wednesday to win the 2015 Oregon Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, held this week at Emerald Valley Golf and Resort in Creswell, Ore. The Men’s title will pit defending champion Pat O’Donnell (Happy Valley, Ore.) against Scott Hval (Portland, Ore.) on Thursday morning.
Norman earned her second Oregon Senior Women’s Amateur title with this year’s win, also winning in 2013.
The match was close through the first nine holes, with both players not being able to sustain much momentum; it was all-square at the turn. Norman started the second nine on fire, however, and jumped to a 3-up lead after 13 holes. Three consecutive halved holes solidified her 3 and 2 win.
Following the round, Norman was emotional when talking about her win and comparing it to her 2013 title. Wednesday would have marked her brother’s 62nd birthday; he passed away a year and a half ago. “This one actually feels a little more special,” said Norman, as she tapped her finger against the Women’s Perpetual Trophy, mentioning her brother. “This is for you.”
Leilani Norman wins Oregon Women's Senior Amateur final
Norman, who won it in 2013, catches fire on the inward nine to pick up her second trophy and a "special" win