HAVING returned home to Coffs Harbour only a couple of months ago after studying and playing golf for five years at Iowa State University, Amelia Mehmet-Grohn showed how strong her game is with a win in the Coffs Harbour Ladies Classic.

After shooting even-par on day one, Mehmet-Grohn shot a 4-under 69 in the final round of the 36-hole stroke event at her home Coffs Harbour Golf Club.

She started the day leading 15-year-old Hollie Fuller from Grafton by three strokes but a strong front nine put the home town favourite in a strong position.

The margin at the end was a comfortable nine strokes.

Playing in front of those who’ve supported her since she started playing, Mehmet-Grohn admitted she felt some pressure prior to teeing-off.

“It’s my home club so you’re expected to play well at your home course,” she said.

“But it’s not just playing for myself but for everyone that’s supported me over the years who I’m very grateful to.

“So just to play well in front of them is a tip of the cap to them.”

The fact the final day of the event was able to be played at all was an achievement.

The night before the course had received 85mm of rain which meant in the final round the bunkers were forced out of play and players had to tee-up all around the course except for near the green.

The Ladies Classic is an event that along with the North Coast Amateur Open is the culmination of the annual Festival of Golf at Coffs Harbour’s unique 27-hole layout.

The men’s event was a lot closer with Maitland’s Clayton Small prevailing by one stroke over a trio of home club players in Dave Newick, Logan Toms and Jason Webb.

Newick was level with Small as he teed off on the last hole but his final drive went left and his 12-foot putt for par to force a playoff didn’t break enough from right to left to fall.

Small, who carded a final round 1-under 69 said he was surprised that his final total of 3-over was enough to secure victory.

“The last three holes I knew I was close.

“I thought I’d have to birdie 17 where I lipped out then I parred 18 so I thought that wouldn’t be enough but then I saw the scores and thought I parred the last two I’ll see what happens,” Small said.