Clark wins Hop Brook crown

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Nancy Clark pitches on to the first green Sunday at Hop Brook Golf Course in Naugatuck during the Ladies Championship. Clark defeated last year’s champ, Stephanie Slekis, four and three to take the title. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI
Nancy Clark pitches on to the first green Sunday at Hop Brook Golf Course in Naugatuck during the Ladies Championship. Clark defeated last year’s champ, Stephanie Slekis, four and three to take the title. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI

NAUGATUCK — Nancy Clark had a unique experience Sunday en route to winning the second Hop Brook Golf Course Ladies Championship.

Clark defeated last year’s champ, Stephanie Slekis, four and three to take the 2015 title. She also won the match under the watchful eye of her son, Bob Clark, the club pro who officiated the final round.

“I was a nervous wreck,” said Nancy Clark, who has also won tournaments at Crestbrook in Watertown.  “I started off very nervous.”

Nancy Clark reached the finals after defeating Linda Low two up in the semifinals. Slekis topped Anne Thomas, three and two, in the semifinals to reach the championship again.

Things started to click after the first few holes for Nancy Clark.  She was pleased with her play on the front side, which allowed her to take a lead into the back nine.

She needed the quick start. Slekis matched her shot for shot.

“Stephanie is a great competitor,” Nancy Clark said. “She’s worked very hard to get better.”

Stephanie Slekis watches her tee shot on the first hole Sunday at Hop Brook Golf Course in Naugatuck during the Ladies’ Club Championship.–ELIO GUGLIOTTI
Stephanie Slekis watches her tee shot on the first hole Sunday at Hop Brook Golf Course in Naugatuck during the Ladies’ Club Championship.–ELIO GUGLIOTTI

Despite the family ties, Bob Clark maintained his professionalism throughout the round.

“She’s my mom, and it was very weird officiating a final match with her in it,” Bob Clark said.

At one point he had to intervene to determine a drop point for Slekis — with his mom watching.

“He’s the pro, but is he rooting for me or Stephanie,” Nancy joked. “He’s a professional and it showed throughout the entire match. He handled it great.”

Scott Thomas will face Ray Martino in the Men’s Championship Flight final. The final, which was originally scheduled for this past Sunday, is slated for Aug. 15 with a 7:58 a.m. tee time.