ARDLEIGH’S Fiona Edmond admits she felt like she rolled back the years after becoming the new English senior women’s amateur champion at her first attempt.

The 50-year-old claimed her first-ever national title after winning the English Ladies Senior Golf Championship, at South Staffordshire Golf Club.

Edmond, a Great Britain and England international back in the early 1990s, marked her senior golf debut with a 2/1 win over Sussex’s Aileen Greenfield, after she holed a six-footer for par on the 17th hole to secure the Wendy Taylor Salver.

The Ipswich Golf Club member only returned to golf after a 20-year absence three years ago, having been forced out of the sport by ME, the long-term neurological condition.

Edmond said: “It felt like I was rolling back the years.

“I was delighted, especially as 20 years ago I gave up golf and only returned to the sport three years ago.

“It was my first senior event so I didn’t really know what to expect but it was really nice to deliver and win the title.

“I think I’m definitely mentally stronger after what I’ve been through and certainly more determined.”

Edmond qualified in sixth place and worked her way steadily through the match play, beating Lulu Housman (Wyke Ridge, Middlesex) by one hole in her semi-final.

It helped her progress to the final against Greenfield, where Edmond’s fine finish on the 17th helped her land the title.