Jill Hardy may have a little more experience at winning than Noreen Stewart but both women are quick to admit there's nothing like finishing on top.
"It's a sweet victory. Winning is always a good feeling," said Hardy, after capturing her third Manitoba Women's Amateur with a three-day total of 6-over par 222 at Transcona Golf Club.
"There's a lot of good players out here and different ones from when I won the first two times. The young girls are coming up and it's fun to compete with them."
Stewart, who took up competitive golf in 2004, won the Manitoba Senior Women's Championship with a three-day total of 243, 27 over par.
"I don't think a lot of people realize how mentally draining competitive golf is," said Stewart, who shot 80 on Friday. "It was a grind but in the end it was worth it. My grandmother taught me how to play golf when I was a little girl but it was just recreational golf. I started to compete a few years ago and it's been a great experience."
Hardy posted three straight 74s to cruise to the title by 14 strokes. Sarah Stebeleski was second at 234 and Mandy Lichtman was third at 242.
Stewart finished with an eight-stroke edge on Karen Saarimaki, who concluded the 54-hole event at 252 while Yon Kang was third at 260.
"The conditions were tough all week. This is a tough course and the wind was a factor," said Stewart, 56. "This is the biggest win of my time in golf. I'm very pleased with my results."
The 27-year-old Hardy was steady all week.
"I'm happy with the way I played. I'm happy with the way I composed myself," said Hardy. "I didn't get rattled."
Hardy was three over after nine holes on Friday but picked up a stroke on the back nine to finish two over par for the third straight day.
"I made some bogeys and then I made some birdies," said Hardy. "It's a nice feeling to win. I was afraid of heading into the last round with a big lead. I focused on what I needed to do and played my game. I had a strong week hitting the ball."
Stewart thinks she could get used to winning tournaments.
I've won some team Nassau events but this is different," said Stewart. "Hopefully this will happen again. We'll see."
gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca
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