Junior Girls County Match Week

Our Junior Girls Team travelled to the Drift Golf Club in Surrey on Sunday 9th August for their practise round and Team photos. This year we had our youngest ever team, with ages ranging from 10 to 16. Our handicap ranges were 9 to 19. We knew that we would be giving away a lot of shots to handicap and age. We were only able to field a squad of 8 players this year, which meant that most of the girls had to play 36 holes a day, which is not ideal, especially in over 30 degree temperatures! However, this didn’t deter our girls who all battled tremendously well throughout the three competition days.

We kicked off on Monday morning with the Foursomes Stableford competition. This was a gentle opener to the competition and our girls got to know the course a little better. On Monday afternoon we began the scratch singles matchplay part of the competition. We took on the might of Surrey. Again, we showed fantastic fight and took many matches close. However, we could only muster a half point, won with a determined performance by Emma Deal. Therefore, the score was 6½ to ½ for Surrey.

Tuesday morning saw us take on Kent, with handicaps ranging from +3 to 4.8. Needless to say we were defeated but once again, Emma’s match went to the 18th green. Great battling. In the afternoon we played Sussex, and we lost 6-1. However, much praise must go to Chenxi who won her match 2 up, and Emma, who once again, went to the 18th. She must be exhausted!

The final morning paired us with Hampshire. Once again, a very strong side. Despite the difference in handicaps, we started strongly. Amora led from the start and never looked back, racing to a 6&5 victory! Alice also led early on and was never caught and closed out her match 5&4. The other matches were tight, but age and handicaps made a huge difference. We eventually lost the match 5-2.

The overall competition was won by Kent, who will go on to represent the England Golf South Group in the National Finals later in the year.

Our girls were led by Emily Pearson. Our team Captain was always there for every player, especially the younger ones. Emily kept morale and spirits high  and made sure that the girls enjoyed themselves both on and off the course. She really stepped up and a huge support to Anne.

We cannot be more proud of how our girls played. Terrific tenacity, dogged determination, super swings and above all else, a never say die attitude. They should all be super-proud of the way they played and the way that they conducted themselves. They are a credit to themselves, their parents and their clubs!

We must also give a massive thanks to Anne Koychev who took on the role of Team Manager, ably supported by Ruth Holmes. We didn’t have a volunteer team manager this year, but Anne and Ruth, (both Middlesex Board members), who stepped up and managed the team, giving their time, expertise and guidance to our very young squad. Thanks go to Middlesex Coach Martin Robinson, who attended the practise day to map the course and give the girls much needed advice and confidence.

Thanks also to Middlesex President Diana Rowlands and Jane Oddi who were both in attendance to give support on the course to our very young side.

Thanks to the parents who supported the girls but most of all, thanks to each and every girl in our team. We are so proud of you and you all should be very proud of yourselves.

We would also like to thank Surrey for their faultless organisation and attention to detail. The choice of the Drift was superb. The club couldn’t have been more hospitable. The food was lovely and the course is a great layout.

The future is looking bright, very bright. Kent will host the competition next year at the prestigious Royal Blackheath Golf Club, 1st to 4th August, 2027.