A magic 30 wins for Mandy

A TORQUAY golfer has logged her 30th women’s club championship, a remarkable 35 years after securing her first.

Mandy Buckley secured her record title in December with a final-round 82, coming from two shots behind in the 54-hole stroke play championship final at Torquay Golf Club.

The 67-year-old has won her 30 championships since 1990.

She said she was shocked to win another one and credited her short game prowess as a key reason for her longevity in the sport.

“They hit the ball 100m past me but I hit it down the middle and didn’t get into any trouble, which helps.

“I thought it would be nice to make it even numbers but I thought it wouldn’t probably happen because I’m getting too old.

“A bit of a shock, really, because we’ve got some really good golfers at Torquay and I thought they should win.”

Buckley has competed in several women’s Australian Open and Victorian Open events during her career.

She also spent eight years playing Victorian pennant for Cranbourne Golf Club and played off a one handicap.

A past women’s captain of Torquay and a much-loved committee member, Buckley said the sport continues to make her tick.

Whether she can add a 31st title is something she is unsure about.

“Maybe, unless they really fire on the day,” she said.

“I don’t get nervous at all. I don’t feel any pressure.

“If they feel pressure they probably make a few mistakes, but no matter what happens, I don’t feel worried. I feel calm. It’s just a game at the end of the day, just fun.”

Golf Australia lists the national record as 55 club championships, held by Joyce Smith at Mount Alexander Golf Club in Castlemaine.