Courtney McKim of Raleigh made her first trip to the North Carolina Women’s State Amateur Championship a memorable one, fighting off strong challenges by Amanda D’Ostroph and defending champion Katherine Perry to win her first title.

Playing at Mimosa Hills Country Club in Morganton, McKim, who led after 18 and 36 holes, actually fell behind after eight holes in the final round on Thursday but rallied with birdies on the back nine to take the championship, posting rounds of 71-72-72 for a 1-under-par 215 total and a two-stroke win.

Dianne Yelovich of Pinehurst shot 75-75-77—227 to win the overall state tee division.

“I almost blew it on 18,” McKim said to Carolinas Golf Association official Tiffany Priest. “I was in the bunker and then barely got out. Both Katherine and Amanda had putts for birdie, and I had to make my putt just to stay ahead. I think I was a little nervous coming into the final hole, but happy I was able to stay focused and make my par.

“This win means a lot to me. I’m honored to have my name etched on the Marge Burns Trophy and my name mentioned along with some of the greatest players in the state.”

D’Ostroph, who lives in Whispering Pines, is a rising senior at Charleston University and the 2010 Moore County Women’s Amateur champion.

D’Ostroph, who shot 73-71-73, was only a stroke behind entering the final round and was proud of her effort.

“I hit a lot more greens in the second round, which gave me a lot of chances to make putts,” D’Ostroph told Priest. “I wanted to stay positive out there and stay in the moment on every shot.

“Winning the N.C. Women’s State Am would give me a lot of confidence in my game.”

Yelovich, who has won the Moore Women’s title twice, had to go to a playoff to defeat Carole Jones of Hillsborough after they had deadlocked at 227 in regulation.

“Carole is a fierce competitor, but I’m excited to be taking this trophy home for myself,” Yelovich said after ending the playoff on the first extra hole.

Pam Congelosi of Vass shot 83-87-79—249 to tie for 14th in the State Tee Division, played from shorter tees than the championship division; Vicki DiSantis of Pinehurst tied for 19th at 254; and Dot Dube of Vass was at 292.

Fifty-six-year-old Pat Brogden of Garner, who plays left-handed and cross-handed, shot 219 to finish fourth overall and win the senior division by nine strokes over Patty Moore, a six-time Moore County champion.