Playoff Decides Women's Amateur

AVON PARK -- Sheila Chiarandini found a great way to cap off an outstanding year of golf.

Chiarandini made a par on the first hole of a playoff to edge Bonnie Lennox to win the Highlands County Women's Amateur on Sunday at Highlands Ridge North.

During the course of the year, Chiarandini won the Highlands Ridge Ladies Golf Association match-play event, the women's club championship, her club championship in Canada, as well as a senior district tournament.

"This win means an awful lot," Chiarandini said. "This ends my perfect year of golf. "I wasn't even going to sign up to play in the tournament, but Melissa Doorlag talked me into it.

"I'm glad she did."

Chiarandini won the two-day competition with rounds of 78-83-161, and after losing a four-shot lead during Sunday's final round, managed to par the par 5, 18th hole, while Lennox made a bogey to force the playoff.

"I didn't play that well today, (Sunday) but I played well when it mattered," she said.

Competing over the familiar terrain of Highlands Ridge North proved beneficial, as Chiarandini used her short game to capture the coveted title.

"These greens are large and you have to be able to chip it close and make your par," the Highlands Ridge club champ said. "I had seven one-putt greens on the back nine.

"Without a doubt, knowing the course was a big advantage for me."

Lennox, who plays at The Bluffs, had rounds of 82-79-161 and since Chiarandini won the overall title, was the winner of the First Flight.

Nela Hodge placed second with a 163, while Nan Reno finished third with a 172.

The Second Flight was won by Joellyn Hufford with a 164, while Joan Winslow came in second with a 169.

Gail Brown finished third at 170.

The Third Flight was won by Joyce Drugan with a 179, while Marie Winks placed second with a 184.

Jane Dunham finished third at 187.

The tournament was played for the first time since 1989 and event organizer Melissa Doorlag is hoping it continues to grow.

"I think everyone had a good time this weekend and hopefully, we can get the word out and the tournament will continue to grow," she said."