GALION — The three-peat won’t come easy for Linda Kidwell.
The two-time defending Tri-County Women’s Golf Tournament champion, Kidwell shot an opening-round 79 at Valley View Golf Course on Wednesday for a four-shot lead over Tammy Hammett in the Championship Flight. The final round is Friday at Deer Ridge Golf Club in Bellville.
“It’s going to take a lot of patience at Deer Ridge. I’ve only played that course a couple of times,” Kidwell said. “(Valley View) is my home course and I’m very pleased with the way I played. This was my lowest round of the year.”
Hammett carded an 83 on a steamy Wednesday afternoon. Trish Tracey shot an 84.
“I was happy with my score, considering how poorly I played,” said Hammett, who won a handful of Richland County Women’s Golf Tournament titles before the event was opened to players from neighboring counties in 2013. “I was never in the fairway with my driver.”
Players were placed into one of four flights based on handicap. In the First Flight, Katie Roesch carded an opening 82 for a three-stroke lead over Bobbi Nash (85). Cindy Hart was in third after firing an 87.
In the Second Flight, Jean Cook shot an 89 while Joy Miley carded a 94.
In Third Flight action, Mariann Craig led after an opening 100. Nancy Green and Brenda Earhart shot matching 107s.
Hammett is expecting a challenge setup Friday at Deer Ridge.
“The greens there can be hard to read,” she said, “and the pin placement can make it very difficult.”
Regardless of Friday’s outcome, Kidwell would like to see the tournament continue to grow. This year’s event drew 25 players.
“We would like to attract some younger players,” Kidwell said. “A lot of the women play in leagues together. It’s wonderful camaraderie.”
