Cohn captures 11th straight Women’s County Amateur title
She defeats first-day leader Ferrieri by six strokes in three rounds.
PALM BEACH GARDENS — Sue Cohn’s remarkable winning streak lives on.
For the 11th year in a row, Cohn is the Palm Beach County Women’s Amateur Golf champion. Her final-round 79 on the par-73, 5,775yard Champions Course at PGA National to go along with rounds of 81 and 76 gave her an overall total of 17-over 236. That was good for a six-stroke victory over first-day leader JoAnn Ferrieri, who closed with an 81.
For Cohn, that’s 13 Palm Beach County Amateur title in 18 years, though her latest triumph was one of the most challenging.
“It was like playing on two different days,” she said of her final round.
“I played well on the front nine (including a birdie on No. 6), but then the wind really picked on the back. You start to feel nervous and tight because it can be a scary course and you can lose your confidence quickly, but it was enough to get by. It’s a long tournament and anything can happen.”
Her consistent level of play amid changing courses, varied pin placement and unpredictable weather conditions is a tribute to her ability year after year to remain calm and play her game, making the necessary adjustments to stay on top.
“Today, I was aware of how JoAnn was playing and I had to change the way I approached each hole. It’s two people head-to-head and almost like match play. You have to be aware. JoAnn had a few rough holes, but she came back. She’s amazing.” How long can the streak continue? “It is getting harder and harder to win every year,” Cohn said. “You have to stay confident. If you play a bad hole, you just say OK, next hole and next shot.
“I know that many people in this county could be playing, and if I do lose someday, I hope it would be to a better golfer and not because I played poorly.”
Ferrieri led by two strokes after round one, but fell back with scores of 82 and 81.
“On Wednesday, I started getting into trouble playing against Sue instead of just playing my game. My goal was to shoot a 75 today, but the par 3s were tough and over water and I was getting a little tired out there,” Ferrieri said.
Stac y Politziner shot a 78 for the day’s low round and placed third at 245.
Notes: Pat Gelardi, the reigning PGA’s Women’s Club champion, shot 87-84-82 — 253, good enough to emerge as the first flight winner.
“It’s a great golf course. Every hole is different and you have to really be careful or it adds up,” said Gelardi.
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