Lydia Hall has done it again, storming to victory at the final 2025 Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event at Duntryleague in Orange.
The Welsh veteran delivered a commanding performance, finishing 11-under par across two rounds (64 and 69) to book her spot in next year’s Ford Women’s NSW Open at Wollongong Golf Club.
Hall started hot, sinking three birdies early, but hit a couple of speed bumps with bogeys on 4 and 6. Unfazed, she bounced back with birdies on 7 and 8, and despite another bogey on 10, she kept her composure to finish strong with birdies on 15 and 16.
“Obviously super pleased, really happy that I got it across the line and had a big lead going into today,” she said.
“That’s always a challenge in itself. I managed to steady the ship through the middle part of the round. A couple of dodgy putts, but yeah, really happy to get it over the line.”
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but Hall’s strategic play got the job done.
“It was a little bit scratchy off the tee, but I managed to get it back in play using three wood and other options. And yeah, a lot of birdies – so that always helps the scorecard.”
Playing alongside Claire Shin for the third straight day and her partner Amy Walsh made the win even more memorable.
“Claire’s just so calm and even-keeled, nothing phases her, which is great for her future. And playing with Amy – that’s the first time we’ve ever played a tournament round together, so that was an experience in itself.”
With another win in the bag, Hall is now ready to relax.
“We’re driving straight back to Canberra to see the family and my two nieces. We might sneak in a little Bali trip for New Year before training kicks off again in January.”
Looking ahead to next year, she is pumped for the 2025 Ford Women’s NSW Open at Wollongong.
“I’m really excited. I’ve secured my spot, and my Order of Merit position on the WPGA should get me into the other two events as well. It’s a really exciting few months ahead.”
Joining her in the Open field will be Cook Islander Elmay Viking, who finished an impressive seven-under par with rounds of 71 and 66.
“I wasn’t even looking at the scores until someone said on the last hole, ‘great round,’” Viking said.
“It was good out there – great vibes with the girls.”
Viking said her work on the greens got her across the line.
“My putting was on today. I’ve been working so hard on it, so it’s great to see the effort pay off.”
Excited for next year’s Open, Viking added, “I’m pretty stoked to tee it up at Wollongong. It’ll be awesome to play there.”
Queenslander Jordan O’Brien and St. Michaels’ Claire Shin finished tied for third at three-under par, capping off two days of stellar golf.
The Duntryleague event marks the final stop in the 2025 Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Series, where many talented golfers earned their spots:
Wenyung Keh – Mollymook RQ
Claire Shin, Amy Walsh – Wagga Wagga RQ
Caitlin Peirce, Rhianna Lewis – Narrabri RQ
Kelsey Bennett, Cecilia Cho – Dubbo RQ
Godiva Kim, Kathryn Norris – Bathurst RQ
Lydia Hall, Elmay Viking – Duntryleague RQ
The countdown is now on for the 2025 Ford Women’s NSW Open, teeing off at Wollongong Golf Club from March 20–23.
