Geary dominated the title from 1995 to 2004 when she won the event four times. However, she then had a total break from the game.

“A few major things happened  in my life – I lost my mum and then a couple of close relatives – I just didn’t feel like playing golf, I lost the enthusiasm for it and stopped playing completely,’’ the 41-year-old said.

So Geary swapped her golf clubs for a hockey stick and turned out for Taree West.

She’s been playing golf since she was 12.

“Dad played, that’s why I started and I enjoyed it,’’ she explained.

Golf, hockey and soccer have been her sporting passions.

“I really loved soccer when I was younger,’’ she recalled.

Geary was bitten again by the golfing bug a couple of years ago, although she said this had a bit to do with getting older.

“I was waking up sore the day after playing hockey and golf. My body was starting to tell me something. I don’t wake up sore after a round of golf,’’ she laughed.

Geary was confident going into this year’s championship, believing this was her best chance since 2004. Consistency is the key, she explained.

“I had a good round of 81 to start and followed that up with two 85s,’’ she said.

Geary’s three round score of 253 was nine shots clear of Judy McKenzie on 262. She held a four shot advantage over McKenzie going into the last round, with defending champion Christine George the only other contender. However, both fell away on the last day. McKenzie finished second on 262.

Geary assures she didn’t fell any great pressure or nerves going into the final round.

“I’ve played a lot of sport and I knew what to expect and I knew what I had to do’’ she explained.

Geary did do some extra practice leading into the event, working mainly on her short game.

“Putting and chipping – that’s important,’’ she said.

“So I concentrated on them.’’

Geary will partner Jo Stinson in the upcoming club foursomes, but otherwise there’s nothing else much on her radar.

She plays off seven at Taree.

“But handicaps these days are determined on course ratings,’’ Geary said.

Geary still dabbles in other sports and is coaching Cundle Jets women’s soccer team this season, a task she is enjoying. However, she can’t see herself returning to either to soccer or hockey.

“It’ll be golf from now on,’’ she agreed.

Geary will be back on the course at Taree today.