The 2022 Devon Golf inter-club ladies’ team competitions held their finals on a day when players would have preferred spending time indoors.
The weather forecasters had been warning of strong winds and heavy rain. They were not far wrong. As the conditions for all golfers were, to say the least, challenging.
Nevertheless, clubs from around the County sent their finalist teams to Churston Golf Club on a Friday morning. First off the tee were the Sheelah Creasy ladies (seven matches per team).
This was followed by the Presidents team finals. Playing this final was East Devon versus Okehampton. Few of the players were able to leave the first tee in dry conditions and the wind was steadily increasing.
Both teams battled for wins, with two of the matches ending on the 20th hole. Unfortunately for East Devon GC, the ladies were defeated by the narrowest of margins. Despite their disappointment, having dried off, they were still smiling with their runners up trophy.
The picture shows Lea Finding, Presidents Team Captain and player, with her team comprising (left to right) Rowan Edbrooke, Leslie Dawson, Linda Anderson, Rosemary Pratt, (Lea with the Trophy), Sue Burley, Marilyn Hobbs, Carole Brailey and Elaine Bright.
The Still Cup, which is a scratch handicap trophy, was the last to play for. East Devon was matched against Torquay, both clubs having come through to the 2022 final. The weather had continued to worsen with horizontal rain for much of the time and very strong winds.
Nonetheless, with some very exciting golf (some supporters walked the course to watch our ladies…) both teams fought hard and East Devon ladies secured a fantastic win, taking four out of the first five matches with the remaining two ladies ahead in their games. A brilliant overall match win.
Ladies Captain, Barbara Middleditch, was delighted, saying: “What an achievement, what a brilliant team. They surpassed all expectations, a fantastic effort in such atrocious weather conditions. It just goes to show, nothing distracts them from the winning post. Thanks also go to the caddies who willingly battled the elements to give support. My personal thanks as a very proud Captain go to all those valued ladies who took part throughout the long seasonal run of match games.”
Pictures from Barbara Mellor
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