FALMOUTH — Laurie Hyndman, a six-time Southern Maine Women’s Golf Association champion, is excited to have the 34th SMWGA Championship at her home course, The Woodlands Club in Falmouth.
Hyndman, a multitime women’s club champion at the club, knows there are plusses and minuses playing at home.
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“It’s both a benefit and a curse,” said Hyndman.
“You know the course, but the expectations are higher. It could backfire. The Woodlands is one of the most challenging courses we play. It’s tight with potential trouble on every hole. You have to have really good course management.”
The 36-hole stroke play tournament begins today with 47 of the top players in the SMWGA competing. The final round is Wednesday with the leaders going off last.
Leslie Guenther of Norway is the defending champion. Guenther, a three-time champion, will be in the opening group with Mary Brandes of The Woodlands at 8 a.m. Brandes is also a three-time champion and like Hyndman, a many-time club champion.
Hyndman last won the SMWGA title in 2008. She couldn’t defend the following year because of breast cancer, diagnosed in February 2009. Hyndman came back to play in last year’s tournament. With her cancer in remission, Hyndman said she feels fine.
“The course is in the best shape it’s been in in a number of years,” said Hyndman of The Woodlands.
“Anyone who can shoot two rounds in the 70s will have a very good chance of winning. My game has been up and down this season, but I am playing pretty steadily at the moment. Leslie (Guenther) is a steady player and someone you always have to look for in this tournament. Mary (Brandes) is having a good, solid year,” she said.
Hyndman is in the second group off at 8:10 with Susan Gilpatric-Smart of Webhannet and Bernice Vadnais of Biddeford-Saco CC.
Another Woodlands member, Cecily Whiting, is in the third group at 8:20 with Barbara Rondeau of Brunswick and Patty Good of Sanford.
“Cecily Whiting has been playing well,” said Hyndman.
“Being from the Woodlands will help. Susan Gilpatrick Smart has done well in our weekly tournaments this summer.”
Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at: tchard@pressherald.com
Twitter: TomChardPPH
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