Carol Semple Thompson

Carol Semple Thompson, 50, Sewickley, Pa., defeated Cecilia Mourgue-D'Algue, 53 of France, on the 19th hole of the final hole of the final round of match play to win the 1999 USGA Senior Women's Amateur Championship conducted at the 5,560-yard, par 72 Desert Mountain Club Cochise Course.

It was Thompson's fourth USGA championship win. She also won the 1973 U.S. Women's Amateur and the U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur in 1990 and 1997.

"I knew it wouldn't be an easy match," said Thompson. "Cecilia is a seasoned player. There was a terrific international contingent. There are a lot of good players that are still playing. It was a strong field,"

"I never give up. I just kept on playing. That's all you can do, just keep playing each hole, " said Mourgue-D'Algue, who three putted the 19th hole.

Thompson, who has played in 80 USGA amateur events, had her 78-year- old mother, Phyllis Semple, as her "caddie" this week while playing in here first USGA Senior Women's Amateur Championship.

"That was really special for me to have here here. She says little things to build me up. She's really been supportive," She's really been supportive," said Thompson.

In the Semifinal matches.

Thompson defeated Toni Wiesner, 52, of Fort Worth, Texas, the 1997 USGA Senior Women's Amateur Championship runner-up, 1 up. Betsy Bro, 53, of Scottsdale, Ariz., took a one-stroke penalty on the 19th hole for accidentally lifting her opponent's ball and lost the semifinal match to Mourgue-D'Algue.

We both hit the same ball, we both have black dots on it. She has more black dots on hers. All of us assumed that was my ball, " said Bro. "It makes me sad, it was a technicality. There are Rules of Golf. We were so careful all week to follow the rules."

"I played my best all week. I know I can play. I've won enough state tournaments to know I can compete," said Bro, who was 1 up throughout most of the match. "It was nice playing in my backyard."