Jane Hanson almost had trouble believing it.

Monday, August 13, 2001

Jane Hanson almost had trouble believing it.

After years of trying and falling short in the Albert Lea City Open golf tournament, Hanson came out on top. She won the women’s championship in last weekend’s two-day, 36-hole tournament with 174 strokes.

&uot;I’ve played in it a lot of years,&uot; said Hanson, 46. &uot;It’s fun to finally win.&uot;

Hanson won by two strokes over Lisa Prihoda, who totaled 176. Mindy Rice was third with 177.

A total of 17 women competed.

Hanson, a veteran golfer who has won several club championships, has been close in the City Open before.

&uot;Once I was four or five strokes out, but I never won,&uot; said Hanson. &uot;I had the second-best score, but they don’t give a prize for that.&uot;

Hanson became only the fifth player to win the women’s City Open title, following Claudia Pilot, Virginia Hanson, Donna Boom and Marti Andersen.

Vonda Rocklin won the low net title with a 131. Andersen, last year’s overall winner, was second at 138. Nancy Peterson was third with 143.

Jane Hanson admitted she was a little nervous on the 18th hole, where she shot an 8, but that her short game was strong all weekend.

&uot;My putting and chipping were good,&uot; said Hanson. &uot;It makes a big difference when you chip close so you can one-putt.&uot;