RUTH Elliot-Smith is Sandiway Golf Club’s champion golfer again.

Having come through a final match she ranks among the toughest she has played, Ruth secured the championship title for a second year in a row.

It is the fourth time overall she has claimed the title having also triumphed in 2013 and 1998.

Elliot-Smith, who has been a Sandiway member for four decades, beat Hazel Sexton three-up in the final to lift the Sheila Watson Trophy.

“This was one of the toughest matches I have ever played,” she said.

“We were neck-and-neck for most of the match, but I just managed to make a few gains towards the end and capitalise on a bit of really bad luck which Hazel had on the last few holes.

“She is a terrific golfer and certainly one of the most determined opponents I have met.”

Ruth was congratulated by club captain Susan Lloyd, who followed the contest on course along with match referee Elizabeth Payne.

She will be presented with her trophy at the club’s trophy dinner later this month.

“Sandiway is a fantastic golf club,” said Ruth, who won through seven knockout rounds to reach the final.

“The course is in fabulous condition – the greens are as good as I have ever seen them in my 40 years of membership, which probably accounts for why we both putted so well and in the end, that’s what the contest came down to.”