GOLF prodigy Olive Spitty has claimed back-to-back club champion titles at the Murray Downs Ladies Club Championship this week.
Spitty, 13, ran away with the A Grade competition, finishing with scores of 75, 72 and 81 for a total of 228 shots.
She bested runner-up Val Hedwards, who finished with a total of 279 after rounds of 94, 91 and 94.
Murray Downs ladies golf captain Mag Kiley described Spitty as “a natural talent”.
“Having Olive be a part of this club is just awesome,” she said.
“She is a star. It’s a delight to have her play here. She hits the ball beautifully.
“She really guides the ball down the fairway, and she putts incredibly as well. She’s got such a natural talent.”
Spitty’s journey continues this weekend when she travels to Oakleigh to take part in round 2 of the Commonwealth Golf Club championship.
This follows a whirlwind year, travelling to the United States to compete in tournaments in San Diego, Las Vegas and Palm Springs.
On top of this, she competed across the Australian states in tournaments, as well as being a part of the School Sport Victoria state team and the junior state team.
“As I said everyone when I announced her as champion, we are all going to be watching her on television sooner rather than later,” Kiley said.
“She really inspires everyone at the club.”
In other results, Chris Warburton won the Hazel Holt Memorial trophy as B Grade champion, finishing with a total of 285, pipping runner-up Nonie Domaille by just six shots.
D Grade champion was Lois Tippet who scored 339, leading runner-up Kerry McDonald on 361.
The Monica Bailey Perpetual Trophy was awarded to C Grade champion Jenny Lynas, who finished with 305, to lead runner-up Janice Krahnert by 19 shots.
Jenny also claimed the Jess Petzke Memorial Trophy for the best overall net score, with 215.
The 70+ Senior champion was Sue Davis who had a total of 235.
During the first round the golfers battled with the elements, faced with wind and rain during play.
But Kiley said that was just a challenge golfers had to face.
“The first round was very cold, windy and rainy,” she said.
“But everyone has to work through those same conditions, that’s just golf.
“We’ve had great numbers this year, which is fantastic. It’s really great to see everyone gather here tonight to celebrate the winners and each other’s achievements.”
