PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - PGA National’s Palmer course set the scene for this year's Women’s Net Championship. With undulating greens and tricky approach shots, this course provided a challenge for these ladies. After some delays and some showers, it was Ann Pohira-Vieth who would be victorious in the Middle Division, and Tiffany Benedetto would claim the title in the forward division
Middle Division
The leaderboard shuffled a whole lot throughout round one, but in the end Ann Pohira-Vieth would take the clear lead, shooting net two under par. The Winter Park native would string three net birdies together to take the lead over the second-place finisher, Peggy Butts. Butts would sit one back heading into the final round. Butts would be surprised by her finish, but solid and consistent play all around would be what placed her there. With one round to go, and the course to face more overnight rain, it was anyone’s game.
As the weather loomed, the leaderboard began to shake with lots of players attempting to make a run at Ann Pohira-Vieth’s spot. Peggy Butts maintained composure and continued to trek on. Despite a two-hour delay, Pohira-Vieth would take the win for the middle division, carding net one under for the tournament. Peggy Butts would finish three strokes behind her and take third, and the winning slot in the middle first flight. Ann Pohira-Vieth is no stranger to winning a state championship; the 2001 Women’s Amateur Champion would step back into the winners' circle this week.
Forward Division
Defending Forward Division Champion, Rita West, would come back swinging after the short rain delay Saturday Morning. Her consistency would carry her to the top of the leaderboard, surpassing Tiffany Benedetto by one. Benedetto had held the lead for the majority of round one, carding an impressive net four over. Benedetto would sit one back heading into round two, with the rest of the leaderboard stacked up behind her. With the Sunday forecast looming, it could be anyone’s game.
Rita West and Tiffany Benedetto would fight for the forward division all day. The spot would flip between the pair, but Benedetto would take the lead as the group went through the turn. After a passing thunderstorm spoiled the party, West would continue what she had done the day before and allow the break to serve as a reset. She would return to the course and fight back to the top of the leaderboard with Benedetto. The pair would finish tied for first place, with USGA Tie-Breaking, Benedetto would take the win in the forward division. This would be the ChampionsGate native’s first State Championship win.
