Kim Briele
(CGA Photo)

But unknown to both of them, Briele was on a mission and was determined to finish this round on top to claim her third Carolinas Golf Association championship victory. Briele had a bit of a shaky start missing her first two greens in regulation, but after a birdie at the third, she was dialed in. The New Bern, N.C. native had a steady round and finished with a 5-over-par 77 for the day. Her tournament total of 7-over 151 gave her a comfortable four-stroke victory at the Carolinas Senior Women's Amateur.

Briele credits her newfound patience for her victory. Instead of forcing things to happen, she remained calm when she had the lead and waited for the round to come to her. "It's a marathon, not a sprint. Just wait, just be patient, patient, patient," said Briele.

In the past, Briele has been in similar positions, garnering many top-five and top-ten finishes, but has not always been able to remain patient and finish the way other players have. "I've learned from watching them [Moore and Brogden]. They play at just a little different level, with more confidence than other players. So after playing enough with them and starting to believe, I started thinking there's no reason why I can't just keep firing."

Pat Brogden kept it close for the first few holes in the final round, but after a double and triple bogey to finish the outward nine, Brogden found herself well behind Briele.

On the inward nine Briele stayed steady and despite a disappointing bogey-double, bogey finish, she was able to hold off both Brogden and Moore to finish with a four-stroke victory.

This victory marks Briele's third Carolinas Golf Association championship and second Carolinas Golf Association senior championship. She plans to compete in the Eastern Women's Golf Association's Senior Women's Championship next month.

Brenda Frye of Mt. Pleasant, S.C. carded an 8-over-par 80 in her second round to finish with a 161 and take home the Low Super Senior award. The award is given to the lowest scorer in the Carolinas Division (shorter course) who is over the age of 65.