Lapointe prevails at Star Amateur

All that time spent in the gym during the winter months appears to be paying dividends for Georgetown resident Mary Ann Lapointe. The 47-year-old bookkeeper embarked on a rigid training routine during the off-season in order to be better prepared for physical challenges like she faced last week at the Toronto Star Women's Amateur Championship held at Pickering's Whitevale Golf Club. Lapointe won all four games she played in over Thursday and Friday in the match-play segment of the tournament, which drew the best amateurs in the province. Playing against much-younger opponents under hot, humid and sometimes stormy weather conditions, Lapointe's fine week culminated with a 2-and-1 victory over 21-year-old Kristy McLaughlin of Wasaga Beach. McLaughlin led by two after 10 holes, but Lapointe rallied to take the match. "Age isn't on my side, but I had a strong workout regimen over the winter," Lapointe said. "Every day this winter I went to the gym. I just hated it. But I guess it paid off." It's the second time the North Halton Golf & Country Club member has won the Star tourney, last taking it in 2001. She has also finished second twice. She now turns her attention to the Golf Association of Ontario's women's amateur this week in St. Catharines.

Georgetown's Mary Ann Lapointe receives the Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Trophy for winning the Toronto Star Women's Amateur tournament last Friday from event founder Glenn Goodwin. Considered North America's top city championship, Lapointe has now won the event twice and was runner-up on two other occasions.