Surrey crowned a new Ladies’ County Champion at Walton Heath on Sunday, 3rd April. Becky Gee of Hindhead won the Challenge Trophy beating Lottie Woodham from West Hill in a match of high quality.
The final, played on Walton Heath’s Old Course, was a closely fought affair with the players trading holes across the front nine. As the match progressed, Becky established a slim lead which she then began to extend. Lottie refused to give in, continuing to play some lovely golf. She looked as though she might stage a fight back when she won the 15th hole but Becky closed out the match on the 16th to win 3/2. The golf played by both girls was of a very high standard, fitting for a County Championship final. Lottie, at 13 years old, looks to have a wonderful golfing future.
In the morning semi-finals, Becky Gee beat Herry Ji of Burhill in a tight match, finally winning 2/1 on the 17th . Lottie Woodham beat Alex Jakins of Foxhills in a match that saw the girls swapping the lead on every hole until the 12th, where Lottie had a fine birdie. She continued to play steady golf and took victory 3/2 on the 16th .
The 36 hole stroke play qualifying stage of the Championship on Friday, 1st April was played over the Old Course at Walton Heath in the most challenging of conditions. The temperature hovered around zero for most of the morning, with a bitter wind chill and intermittent snow showers and only occasional bursts of sunshine. The leading qualifier was Ellie Monk of Sunningdale who won the Winnie Hill Cup for the lowest aggregate scratch score on countback from Kim Munro of Epsom Golf Club, both with an aggregate of 157. The trophies were presented by Jill Thornhill, President of Walton Heath Golf Club. Jill is one of Surrey’s finest and most successful amateur lady golfers. She represented GB&I in the Curtis Cup on four occasions, played for England in the Home Internationals nine times and won many ladies’ amateur championships.