Thistleton, aged 95, put her years of experience to excellent use over the two-day competition.

At the event – open to golfers 75 years or older – Thistleton topped the stableford scorecard with 35 points and backed that up the following day with 109 off the stick for a nett score of 66.

Margaret Woodward was second and Barb Anderson was third.

Bathurst Golf Club women’s captain Jane Mitchell said you’d be hard pressed to find a more popular golf tournament winner from recent times.

“People were cheering so much when she was announced as the winner and everyone was cheering so much for her to make a speech,” she said.

“She’s brought her handicap down several strokes as well.

“We introduced this competition because we had a lot of competitive women’s players who didn’t want to play in the open events over four rounds.

“They’ve taken to this event with great enthusiasm.

“The fact our oldest player won it is amazing. She was a very popular winner.”

There’s more exciting events coming up for members with the Bathurst Women’s Open (April 30, May 1 and 2) and the Western Districts Ladies Open (May 15, 16 and 17).