Past Captain's Stableford Salver

We had 10 girls taking part in the above competition at The Bedford Golf Club on Sunday 10th October. The entry was fewer than expected with a few girls dropping out through ill health the day before. However, the girls enjoyed the day which luckily stayed dry although the wind did make conditions a little difficult and proved to us all that winter is on its way.

Jenny Johnson from Leighton Buzzard had a very successful time winning the event with 42 points. This is the second time that Jenny has won the event which is only 4 years old and so she cut her handicap to 31, well done Jenny. Second with 38 points was Holly Aitchson from Bedfordshire and third was Katie Burman from John O'Gaunt.

Bedfordshire V's Suffolk

The final match of the season took place at Richmond Park Golf Club at Watton nr Thetford on 19th September. The team remained the same as previous games this year. Unfortunately we were unable to win the game loosing 4 1/2 to 1 1/2. Laura Collin from JOG won and Lizzie Sweetnam halved her match. The overall winners of the division 3 counties is Suffolk who will now go forward to play in the match play final on 17th October, we wish them well.

Sadly this was my last game in charge as junior organiser and feel I have come full circle after this match at Richmond Park. Strangely enough this was the very first venue that the junior girls team played a match for me in 1998. Holly Aitchson played in that match too, aged 11 playing off a handicap of 33 (now 4), the weather was awful with greens flooding as they played, but the weather today was bright and sunny and I am glad to say not at all like my first visit. I would like to thank all the girls who have played for the county during the past 6 years and wish them continuing success in their golfing careers, it has been an absolute pleasure to see your achievements, whether they be great or small, I am very proud of you all and thank you for your support.

Sue Paterson

Girls Junior Championship

The Girls Junior Championship took place at Dunstable Downs on Sunday 11th July, with 15 girls taking part. The weather was extremely kind, clouds and rain seemed to skirt around the course, enabling the girls to enjoy their competition. It was good to see a few new faces appearing and look forward to more competitors taking part next year.

The results of the competition are as follows: Winner with a gross score of 75 and one under her handicap was Holly Aitcheson from Bedfordshire Golf Club. Holly will go on to play in the Champion of Champions competition on Sunday 5th September. Congratulations to Holly for achieving a double success with wins in the Ladies and Junior Championships.

The nett winner with a nett score of 69 was Elizabeth Sweetnam who comes from Leighton Buzzard Golf Club, 2nd was Kimberlee Robertson from Bedford & County Golf Club and 3rd was Emma Cribb from Bedfordshire Golf Club.

Girls 9 Hole Non Handicap Competition

A stableford competition was held at Bedfordshire Golf Club on the Par 3 Academy Course on Saturday 17th July for girls who are members of clubs in Bedfordshire, but have yet to gain a handicap. 10 girls took part in the event, the eldest being 13 and the youngest 6 years old. The girls went out in groups of 2 with a lady from Bedfordshire Golf Club helping them along the way, keeping score and answering any questions that may arise. I think the ladies enjoyed it as much as the girls!! Thank you ladies for your help.

The winner of the competition was Molly Thorne from Bedfordshire with a score of 33 points, congratulation Molly. Second was Georgia Testa also from Bedfordshire Golf Club and third was Sarah Cormack from Bedford & County Golf Club. Winner of the putting competition was Emily Midgley from John O'Gaunt Golf Club with 31 putts over 12 holes.

Well done girls.

Sue Paterson

Bedfordshire V's Norfolk

On 3rd June, the Bedfordshire Junior Girls played their match against Norfolk at Brampton Golf Course, Cambs.

A very interesting course, lots of water and a few balls lost. However, our girls did well and managed a good half, the following girls winning their matches, Holly Aitchison, Laura Collin and Katie Burman. Katie's first win for the county on her second outing against a 17 handicapper. Well done Katie and well done team.

Sue Patterson Salver

On 17th June juniors and ladies competed for a new annual trophy at Aylesbury Vale Golf Club, Sue Patterson Salver, for a Junior/Adult Foursomes Competition, consisting of one silver and one bronze player. A very hot day and a very hot score from the winners, Stephanie Scott and Marie Stradling from Aspley Guise with 41 points. The event was very well supported with 16 teams taking part, refreshments afterwards were excellent and thanks must go to Aylesbury Vale for being very supportive, with half way refreshments on the terrace and an offer of sun block for those who had the need to have sun protection. This annual event will be taking place at Pavenham Park next year on 11th September, so book your partners early for this fun competition.

Faldo Series

Laura Collin from John O'Gaunt Golf Club ended up second in the Midlands & East Anglian Area Faldo Series, with a win at the final venue at Brockett Hall, earning her a very nice pair of Nike sunglasses. Congratulations on your continuing success.