Lydia Hall has done it again, storming to victory at the final 2025 Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event at Duntryleague in Orange.
 
The Welsh veteran delivered a commanding performance, finishing 11-under par across two rounds (64-69) to book her spot in next year’s Ford Women’s NSW Open at Wollongong Golf Club.
 
Hall started hot, sinking three birdies early in Round 2 on Tuesday, but hit a couple of speed bumps with bogeys on four and six.

Unfazed, she bounced back with birdies on seven and eight and, despite another bogey on 10, she kept her composure to finish strong with birdies on 15 and 16.
 
“Obviously super pleased, really happy that I got it across the line and had a big lead going into today,” she said.
 
“That’s always a challenge in itself. I managed to steady the ship through the middle part of the round. A couple of dodgy putts, but really happy to get over the line.”
 
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but Hall’s strategic play got the job done.
 
“It was a little bit scratchy off the tee, but I managed to get it back in play using 3-wood and other options. And a lot of birdies – so that always helps the scorecard.”
 
Playing alongside Claire Shin for the third straight day and her partner, Amy Walsh, made the win even more memorable.
 
“Claire’s just so calm and even-keeled, nothing phases her, which is great for her future. And playing with Amy – that’s the first time we’ve ever played a tournament round together, so that was an experience in itself.”
 
With another win in the bag, Hall is now ready to relax.
 
“We’re driving straight back to Canberra to see the family and my two nieces. We might sneak in a little Bali trip for New Year before training kicks off again in January,” she added.
 
Looking ahead to next year, Hall has her sights set on a strong showing at the 2025 Ford Women’s NSW Open at Wollongong.
 
“I’m really excited. I’ve secured my spot, and my Order of Merit position on the WPGA should get me into the other two events as well. It’s a really exciting few months ahead.”
 
Joining her in the Open field will be Cook Islander Elmay Viking, who finished an impressive 7-under-par with rounds of 71-66.
 
“I wasn’t even looking at the scores until someone said on the last hole, ‘Great round,’” Viking said.
 
“It was good out there – great vibes with the girls.
  
“My putting was on today. I’ve been working so hard on it, so it’s great to see the effort pay off.
 
“I’m pretty stoked to tee it up at Wollongong. It’ll be awesome to play there.”
 
Queenslander Jordan O’Brien and Shin finished tied for third at 3-under-par, capping off two days of stellar golf.
 
The Duntryleague event marks the final stop in the 2025 Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Series. The qualifiers at each event were:
 
Wenyung Keh – Mollymook RQ
Claire Shin, Amy Walsh – Wagga Wagga RQ
Caitlin Peirce, Rhianna Lewis – Narrabri RQ
Kelsey Bennett, Cecilia Cho – Dubbo RQ
Godiva Kim, Kathryn Norris – Bathurst RQ
Lydia Hall, Elmay Viking – Duntryleague RQ
 
The countdown is now on for the 2025 Ford Women’s NSW Open, teeing off at Wollongong Golf Club from March 20–23.

- Kassidy Rogan