NOVOCASTRIAN Makensie Toole was too consistent for Hastings duo Ella Scaysbrook and Pyper Hollis as she claimed the 2019 Ladies Seaside Classic in Port Macquarie on Wednesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Belmont 18-year-old hit rounds of 77 and 78 over the two-day event which proved 18 shots too good for the chasing pack in breezy, rainy conditions.
She had led by eight shots after a blustery first day of action.
"I found the course really nice; I hadn't played in this event before and hadn't seen the course, but I really liked it," Toole said.
"The greens were super quick, but the course was in really nice condition."
Heading into the second day, only miracle rounds from the chasing pack would have stopped Toole from adding to her last senior open ladies title that she achieved last month.
"The Fern Bay Classic at Newcastle Golf Course was the last title I won in early June," she said.
"It feels really good to be able to win it the first time I've come up (to Port Macquarie).
"There's a really strong field, a lot of young players and really low markers so with the depth of field it wasn't what I was expecting being my first time playing."
Toole said she was confident of being able to hold onto her lead and not only did she do that, she extended it.
"I just managed to keep the ball in play, not get into too much major trouble and I managed to hit quite a few greens which was good," she said.
"It can be pretty tricky to get up and down on this course with how fast (the greens) are.
"I gave myself a few opportunities for birdie or easy two putts for par which is always nice."
Knowing the result was firmly on her club heading into the second day enabled Toole to be confident about a consistent performance.
"When you're in that position (of leading by eight shots) it's in your hands," she said.
"I knew that if I stayed calm and managed to put together a solid round, they'd have to play really well to catch up.
"I just tried to do my own thing and put together another solid round."
The presence of Port Macquarie teenage prodigy Ella Scaysbrook on the first day ensured she was pushed all the way.
"It was really good to have another younger girl there," Toole said.
"She's pretty young but she plays really nicely and having someone else of a high quality helps push you along through your rounds."
What else is happening in sport?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.