Despite tricky greens and an absolute deluge on day 2, the scratch team from North Hants(representing Hampshire) won the English Women's Champion Club competition this weekend at Hessle Golf Club in Yorkshire.
The team of Aimee Patterson, Georgina Carter and Lily Walker played some sublime golf and held their nerve to triumph over 26 of the best Club teams from across England. The format was a team of 3 playing scratch strokeplay with the best two player's scores counting on each day.
After Day 1 NH tied the lead with Willesley Park with a fantastic combined score of +7. On day 2 our team went out early and definitely had the worst of the weather. +1 for the day after 9 they then moved into the very challenging back 9 with the weather playing a major factor whilst the greenkeepers worked to clear the greens of water. The sun came out just as the final groups were tee-ing off which was a concern as the teams in 2nd and 3rd place overnight were at the back of the field.
Final score in the clubhouse was + 11 for the day(+18 in total) and fourth place - we then had to sit back and wait for three hours for the other teams to finish. With four holes to go Shifnal Golf Club were in the lead by four shots from North Hants who had moved up to second. Their first scoring player came in making the two teams tied so it was all down to the last Shifnal score - a player who had scored -1 on day 1 and was level for the day after 14. Never were putts from the opposition so closely watched - their final score - level for the day. North Hants and Shifnal were tied on +18 for the competition. The score of the third player put NH in first position but Willesley Park still had to finish. Another hour of nail biting and the celebrations began.
A fantastic achievement by the North Hants team with all three team members contributing over the two days. As winners the team will now represent England at the European Ladies Club Trophy at Welton in Slovakia on 3rd-5th October - the good wishes of North Hants, Hampshire and indeed England go with them - Good luck ladies.
For the England Golf report of the match please see >>here