Third time lucky!
Taking a break before returning to her A Level studies (maths, physics and chemistry) 17 year old Pavani Kumar from Royal Mid-Surrey won the Liphook Scratch Cup at her third attempt on Saturday at Liphook Golf Club on the Hampshire-Sussex borders. Playing steady golf all day, Pavani’s 36 hole total of 141 (72,69) – three under par. She does not have much time to play in major events as dates clash with exams and she fully intends to proceed to university and study physics. Pavani reduced her handicap to scratch at this year’s English Girls’ Championship and in 2018 she qualified for The Daily Telegraph national event and shot a six under on the outer course at her home club by the Thames in Richmond.
Second was Bethan Popel from Long Ashton Golf Club, Bristol on 142 (75,67) – the 67 being the low round of the day. Bethan had a successful amateur career playing for England before trying her hand in the professional ranks. Not playing golf for a couple of years she is once again an amateur, and her performance at Liphook has given her game a boost.
In third place was 15 year old Lottie Woad from Farnham Golf Club with rounds of 75 & 70 reducing her handicap to +1 in the process. Playing Liphook for the second time (she was sixth last year), the current Surrey Ladies’ County Champion played for England in the Young Masters European Under 16 Championships coming in sixth and top player from the four home nations; and was a member of the winning England Under 16 team v. Switzerland at Heswall in August.
Two back on 147 was Olivia Horsford from Wimbledon Park.
Once again the event attracted a very talented entry of 66 from all over England and Wales with handicaps ranging from + 5 to 9, and as ever, the course won! There were only ten scores at par (72) or better all day. The heather looked magnificent from afar and was best left there. Too many players found themselves in trouble. The course was as ever in excellent condition and the greens very receptive, playing at 9.5 on the Stimpmeter, (i.e. not too fast) and becoming firmer during the very pleasant late summer’s day.