Nanette Hill Marks First Professional Win

Pelham native Nannette Hill won for the first time on the Duramed Futures Tour at the City of Hammond Classic in Hammond, Indiana.

Hill took home a champion's check of $15,400, outlasting the rest of the field in gusting winds for a two-shot victory. She posted rounds of 70-68-71 for a 7-under total of 209 at Lost Marsh Golf Course, at the fifth annual event presented by Horseshoe Casino Hammond.

The final round on the wind-blown, 6,219-yard course had as much to do with attitude, tenacity and patience as it did with technique. Early in the morning, play was halted for nearly three hours as a vicious thunderstorm ripped through the region, dumping rain and producing heavy lightning. But while players were forced to sit out the storm, Hill was in the clubhouse debating with her peers about "Team Edward" or "Team Jacob" in the popular "Twilight" series. During the storm delay, she even took a poll of those in the room to settle the debate, asking for a show of hands.

The win vaulted her from 50th to 14th on the money list for the Duramed Futures Tour.

No one was prouder of the win than Ken Wang, owner of Pound Ridge Golf Course, who agreed to sponsor Hill this spring.

“Nannette is one of the most competitive golfers to come out of this area, and that she battled the elements to earn her first victory is a testament to that spirit,” says Pound Ridge Golf Club owner Ken Wang. “We congratulate her on this outstanding achievement and wish her continued success in all her endeavors.”

Hill wears the Pound Ridge Golf Club logo on her hat, shirt, golf bag and umbrella while competing on tour.

Hill has done well since joining the Duramed Futures Tour this year. She's made the cut in nine of eleven events so far.

Dave Donelson, author of Heart of Diamonds a romantic thriller about blood diamonds in the Congo.