Tilton, NH – After stepping away from competitive golf due to back surgery two years ago, Tara Watt, St. Anselm’s Women’s Golf Coach, made a triumphant return by capturing her fourth New Hampshire Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Lochmere Golf & Country Club. Watt posted rounds of 76 and 75 to finish at 7-over-par 151, earning a commanding six-shot victory and an emotional return to the winner’s circle.
“It feels amazing,” Watt said after the win. “Having back surgery two years ago, I didn’t know what my future looked like for golf, so being back here, it’s awesome. To be in contention and winning, I’m speechless.”
A member of the Kennett High School Sports Hall of Fame, Watt relied on smart course management and precise ball striking throughout the two-day championship. While known for her power off the tee, Watt adjusted her game to fit Lochmere’s tighter layout. She said, “My driver is my best in the bag, but I can’t use it on this course,” she explained. “So, I hit 5-iron on almost all the par-4s and just pulled the driver on the par-5s to capitalize from there.”
Her strategy paid off, as she held off a talented field that included defending New Hampshire Women’s Mid-Amateur champion Amy Dickison, who finished runner-up at 157 (+13) after a strong closing round of 76. Three-time New Hampshire Women’s Player of the Year, Kat Bordeau followed closely at 158 (+14), also closing with a 76 to claim third. Beth Hamilton secured fourth place at 161 (+17), while Corey Richardson rounded out the top five at 162 (+18).
Julie Rivers, another Kennett High School Sports Hall of Fame inductee, made an early statement with an opening round 77, but slipped back with an 86 on Day 2 to tie for sixth at 163 (+19) with Caroline Fang.
Watt acknowledged the level of competition, noting, “They’re all great players, so I knew I had to have my A-game this week.” Reflecting on her comeback journey, she added, “It feels awesome. I was trying not to cry coming up 18 because I didn’t know if I was ever going to be back here.”
Lochmere Golf & Country Club provided a stern but fair test with its undulating fairways and tricky greens, demanding precision and patience, both of which Watt delivered in championship fashion.
NH Women’s Mid-Amateur | Results