For the past few years Jannie Pelcher came close, but not close enough, to win the women’s club championship at Panther Valley Golf & Country Club in Allamuchy Township.

This year’s championship match was close, too, but this time the “bridesmaid” became the “bride!”

Held in mid-August, the two day event was close from start to finish in a battle with Lisa Gerardi. After the first day the two were even.  On the second day Pelcher was up by 1 going to the 17th hole.

“That’s where I won,” said Pelcher, who lives in Allamuchy. “So, basically I won on the 35th hole!”

According to Pelcher, the key to victory was her putting game. And that’s what it came down to at the end. Her opponent missed a putt giving Pelcher the final advantage. 

Pelcher who started playing golf about 15 years and eventually went from playing in a 9-hole to an 18-hole league, hadn’t won a title such as this until this year. 

“Technically,  I don’t think I’m the best golfer in the ladies league but I think I have a strong mental game,” she offered. “I don’t really take the game seriously until I have to.”

“Jannie is a very steady player,” said Dan McCarthy, Head Pro at Panther Valley. “She doesn’t get frazzled and her putting game is very consistent.” 

Helping Pelcher stay on track in the championship run was her friend Pam May and also her husband Don, who both acted as her caddy, Pam on the first day, Don on the second.

“I think having a good caddy helps,” Pelcher noted. “Having someone there who knows your game and knows the course is a big help.” 

Don certainly knows the course – he’s been a member at Panther Valley for many years. In fact, it was he who has taught Jannie the game of golf. He clearly taught his wife well.