"It's absolutely brilliant - and to beat Chris, who is someone I respect, makes it very special. I couldn't ask for better," said Christine, who was also celebrating her 54th birthday

The two women have known each other for about 40 years, since their junior days in Middlesex, but this was only the third time they had met head-to-head. "And this is the first time I have got the better of her!" said Christine, from Beaconsfield.

She was never behind in a low-scoring match and was three up after 12 holes. But Chris Quinn (Hockley) fought back, winning the 13th, 15th and 17th to take the match into extra time.

They halved the first play-off hole with birdie fours before Christine settled matters with a textbook par on the short 20th. Chris Quinn, meanwhile, had missed the green and just failed to sink her par putt.

Afterwards, Christine revealed that she knew she'd have to fight for the title. "Chris Quinn is a very good golfer and although I got to three up I knew she was capable of coming back at me. She always battles - and she was never going to give it to me on a plate."