Thursday 13th October - Friendly Burton Golf Club
The last friendly match of the year took place at Burton Golf Club.
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| Chris, Ann, Me, 18th |
The last friendly match of the year took place at Burton Golf Club.
Again some fine weather and some even finer golf by 8 of our Ladies who had an enjoyable day once we finally started.
Thanks to Lyn, Glen and Margaret for joining Penny, Chris Pa, Jenny, Gill and myself at short notice and a comfortable win of 3 games and 1 draw.
Monday 10th August - County Shield .......Its a WIN for Branston.........
Monday 10th August - County Shield .......Its a WIN for Branston.........
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| Captain Annie, with Glen, Lyn, Gill and Lesley |
The final was held today at Walsall Golf Club and was preceded by the 12 - 24 Inter-Club knockout, the Perry Cup but ......
back to the County Shield match
A total of 32 teams from Staffs played in the first round in April this year, with Branston Ladies beating Great Barr, Drayton Park and Bloxwich in the first 3 rounds. The semi final win at Enville saw an eagerly awaited final at Walsall today against Ingestre who also had a team through to the final of the Perry Cup which was held earlier this morning. So they were out for 2 wins today but our formidable team were not going to give them the glory of a double.
back to the County Shield match
A total of 32 teams from Staffs played in the first round in April this year, with Branston Ladies beating Great Barr, Drayton Park and Bloxwich in the first 3 rounds. The semi final win at Enville saw an eagerly awaited final at Walsall today against Ingestre who also had a team through to the final of the Perry Cup which was held earlier this morning. So they were out for 2 wins today but our formidable team were not going to give them the glory of a double.
A great picture above with proud caddies behind their victorious team
Back row, Left to Right: Me, Irene, Margaret, Pam and Lyn
Front row, Left to Right: Lesley, Captain Anne, Glen, Gill and Lyn
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| Winners of the County Shield 2012 |
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| Caddies for the Winning Team of the County Shield 2012 |
As my handicap had been cut from 24 to 22 since the semi final at Enville, I was no longer eligable to play for the County Shield Team. However, as its customary for each of the finalists to bring a caddy, I was determined to be part of the day so I was thrilled to be enlisted by Lesley. Some fine weather, no rain but a warm breeze made for a great day. Lesley was off second and all square on the 18th meant it was back to the first for the play off. There was no need as the results were already in and we couldnt wait to get back to the clubhouse to celebrate with the rest of the team.
Thursday 25th August - Ladies Friendly, Broughton Heath
Another Ladies Friendly Match at Branston, this time with Broughton Heath. We played earlier in the year on 27th April (see previous blog posting) and it was time for Branston to host the match. The usual format is singles, matchplay however due to the numbers of Ladies playing, it was a different format comprising of 2 Branston Ladies and 2 Broughton Ladies playing as a team of 4 in a better ball competition.
However, full handicap allowance for everyone which was greatly appreciated by our visiting Ladies. Some mixed weather was forecast for the day, some sun and a bit chilly at times.
An immaculate turnout by both teams in their respective club colours, the only disappointment for me was that I was unable to stay afterwards but by all accounts, a tasty meal with a lovely selection of prizes which was greatly appreciated by all.
Many thanks to Sandra S's for taking the time to arrange the day
The long awaited for semi final at Enville and Branston Ladies set off in plenty of time for a 2 pm start. A long journey there but we were ready and waiting and looking forward to the match. Not an easy club to find but well worth the wait. Very different from Branston, no water but some very deep bunkers which caused us all some problems. My playing partner Liz, an ex Lady Captain and I was 3 up by the front 9.
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| Enville and Branston Ladies |
She played some great golf on the back 9 and we were all square on the 18th. As we were first out, we had to play the 1st again which was a par 5, with bunkers just before the green. My 3rd shot went into the bunker and Liz then hit a great 3rd shot straight onto the green. I was going to have to get out of this very deep bunker and sink the next shot as it was a dead cert she would either 1 or 2 putt. Alas it was not to be and I was beaten on the 1st but to a very worthy winner.
So it was with baited breath, I waited for the rest of the team and one by one, they all came in with a win so it is onwards and upwards to the final in October at Walsall.
A great day for the County Shield Team and a very happy Annie C somewhere on holiday up north.
Semi final of the County Shield at Enville, great win 4 -1, final in October at Walsall.
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| Rita, Chris, Cherry, Desley and Carol |
Sunday 7th August -
A win by Branston Ladies Scratch Team (B) over Trentham
Monday 1st August - A Win for Branston Ladies
Congratulations to Gill S, Carol A and Cherry L who won the MAY EVERSHED CUP at the County Silver Division.
The competition was held at Trentham park on Monday 1st August and Branston was represented by Gill, Carol and Cherry and all played in the main competition which was a Medal and also the Team competition, coming in with the best team nett score of 222 for the day.
Gill came in with 80 gross, 72 nett
Cherry came in with 85 gross, 72 nett
Carol came in with 98 gross, 78 nett
See Blog entry on 15th April for previous details on the Spondon Trophy.
After a 5 - 2 win over Mapperley, it was now onwards and upwards for the Quarter Finals which was an away draw against Matlock.
Matlock Golf Course has some of the most spectacular views in Debyshire - across the Derwent valley towards the ruins of Riber Castle on the hilltop. I've never played here before but with no water and very few bunkers, every hole was different - apparently many of them incorporating Bentley Brook that winds its way through the course. The greens were challenging and very difficult to read and this was mainly why I was 5 down after 8 holes. Plus, it was no good hitting the tee shots and fairway shots straight, they had to be aimed at fairly acute angles to cater for the gradient of the fairways. After a couple of holes, I'd got to grips with this but it was almost impossible to get onto the green and stay there.........
I felt that I might as well hit the ball onto the green with my eyes closed for all the good my line up was doing. My playing partner Jill read the greens so well and there was no stopping her, but I managed to get it together on the back 9 and eventually pulled it back to 'one up ' by the 17th.
A lovely end to the game for us both as she won the 18th and we were all square by the end of the match.
Yours truly deputised for the Captain and along with Gill, Chris Pe, Cherry, Rita, Annabelle and Di we gave it our all. But alas, a single win by Chris and a draw by me was not enough to clinch progression to the next round.
MONDAY 13th JUNE - Staffs Bronze Division, Walsall
If you haven't already looked at the link, then please do. Its crammed with information on Ladies Golf in Staffs and well worth a look. The aim of the website is to provide up to date information for all County Members including News, Results, Fixtures. There is also an area dedicated to County Junior golf and this contains details of Junior Coaching, Junior Competitions as well as all the competitions for Ladies belonging to clubs in Staffs.
This time last year, I was playing off 36 and had only played away from Branston with Brian. Cherry L from Branston asked if I would like to play in the Bronze Division Meeting at Bloxwich, which is for all Ladies in Staffs between the handicap of 21 and 36. Reluctant and feeling out of my comfort zone I said yes and ended up winning the Handicap Bowl with a nett 67, just pipping Sandra S also from Branston on a better back 9.
My first handicap cut of 3 points to 33.
This year, playing off 27 at the time, the competition was at Walsall. I was fully prepared, with a map of the course and details of each hole and there were many fine golfers out there on the day. My 2 lovely playing partners made the day and it was a great result for one of them, Val H from Walsall who won the Handicap Bowl with a nett 73.
This a great tournament for any female golfer with a CONGU handicap of 21 - 36. The format is stableford foursome and Clubs can run any number of qualifying rounds and individual pairs can also put in as many cards as they like. The pair who return the best score at each club are eligible for one of six regional final and the winners of those will qualify for the national final, where they are the overnight guests of English Womens Golf Assocation (EWGA.)
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| Maisie and Janet |
The winners’ trophy is a pair of silver spoons originally given by the Australian Ladies’ Golf Union. Branston was represented by Maisie S and Janet K who played in the 2011 Midlands North Regional Finals at Oxley Park Golf Club, Staffordshire and they have very kindly provided the following details of their day out representing Branston.
The weather was overcast when we arrived, the threat of showers drifting from the South never came to fruition as the sun came out resulting in a lovely, warm day. The clubhouse at Oxley Park was more of a traditional style, we ladies also had our own changing facilities as well as a reading room, in case we wanted to get away from the men. Our playing partners were from Market Harborough Golf Club and we had a thoroughly enjoyable round with them. I think our practice round the previous Saturday held us in good stead as some of the holes were very tight on width and tricky wasn't the works that were would use. Janet played some masterful shots on her approaches to the greens. Playing with one golf ball wasn't easy either, as you never semeed to get into to the groove with only hitting every other shot.
The weather was overcast when we arrived, the threat of showers drifting from the South never came to fruition as the sun came out resulting in a lovely, warm day. The clubhouse at Oxley Park was more of a traditional style, we ladies also had our own changing facilities as well as a reading room, in case we wanted to get away from the men. Our playing partners were from Market Harborough Golf Club and we had a thoroughly enjoyable round with them. I think our practice round the previous Saturday held us in good stead as some of the holes were very tight on width and tricky wasn't the works that were would use. Janet played some masterful shots on her approaches to the greens. Playing with one golf ball wasn't easy either, as you never semeed to get into to the groove with only hitting every other shot. Our final score was 29 points, it wasn't enought to win it but we didnt embarrass ourselves and we were both proud to represent The Branston Golf and Country Club. In conclusion, we would both like to say a big thank you to Cherry L for her untiring efforts and being there to support us. Additionally to Oxley Park for their wonderful hospitality, I'd certainly go there again as the lunch offered was excellent. Along with my team mate Janet who played so well, I hope we can qualify again and next time, bring the trophy home to Branston
Many thanks to the girls for the update and to Jules for the photo's
FRIDAY 27th APRIL - Spondon Trophy - Purple Round 2
Thanks to Di H for the update, A great win by the Branston team against Mapperley, 5 - 2 at home and looking forward to the next round.
Last date of play for all matches in Round 2 is by 20th June so we should know by then who the team will meet.
Congratulations to Di H, Cherry L, Chris Pa, Chris Pe, Gill, Rita and Annabelle, Round 3 here we come.
Saturday 21st May - Ladies Scratch Match
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| Branston and Bloxwich Scratch A Teams |
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| Becky, Chris, Fi, Gill, Suzy |
Ladies 'A' Team played against Bloxwich. Congratulations to Branston Ladies 5 - 0 win
TUESDAY 17th MAY - County Shield
Round 2 of the County Shield and Branston played away at Drayton Park. (see Blog entry 20th April for Round 1)
The adorable Annie was there to see us all tee off around 1.30 - Lesley, Me, Glen, Lynn and Penny. We all had a lovely day with some warm weather and just a few very light showers.
I played at Drayton Park in March with Gill in the Daily Mail Foursomes (see Blog entry for 12 Feb) and recognised some of the fairways and greens. The course has 2 par 5's and 3 par 3's which are difficult to hit and quite a challenge. There are some narrow, tree lined fairways with strategically placed bunkers and well protected greens and some water on a number of the holes.
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| Drayton Park and Branston Ladies |
TUESDAY 3rd MAY - Ladies Friendly, The Chase My playing partner was Gill T, I've played with Gill before and won - the last time was the Barbara Stone Troply which was a Seniors Competition held earlier this year. We won on the day and were hoping to repeat the performance today even though it was a friendly match.
We both started pretty badly, (me in general) and were 2 down after 2 holes and only just won the 3rd. So we re-grouped, pulled ourselves together and started to pick our game up.
Anita played off 17, Jean off 24 so as it was match play, 3/4 handicap, we didnt have many shots. However we pulled the game back and were 2 up by the 9th and carried on keeping our opponents at bay.
Match was won by the 16th so we had a nice finish to the last 2 holes.
Again, a lovely day followed by some good food with much laughter and frivolity, especially by the Chase Ladies.
A big thank you to Sandra S who organises the friendlies and including me in the team
THURSDAY 28th APRIL, The Perry Cup The Perry Cup this morning, this is for Ladies with Handicaps of 12 - 24. Branston Ladies beat Penn Golf Club 4 - 1 and sailed majestically through to the next round to play Sandwell. Watch this space..
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| Me,Margaret |
Left around 08:15, had to be there by 09:30. Glad we had some time to spare as even with the Sat Nav, we got lost...Had a lovely day, 1 member from Branston, Broughton Heath and the Pastures played as a team.
Played at Broughton Heath several years ago and could ony remember the 1st which is just by the club house. Its a par 3 cours with 3 x par 4's.
There were 7 teams in all, comprising a really friendly format of 1 lady from each club. One of the Ladies from the Pastures was unable to make it so myself and Sheila from Broughton Heath played as a 2 ball. Slight disadvantage as it was the best 2 scores to count and all on the par 4's, so we played those 3 holes as a greensome.
Didnt mind as it was for fun. A lovely day, fine company with the match taking less than 3 hours
WEDNESDAY 20th APRIL - County Shield, SLCGA Inter-Club Match
There are 2 competitions, one for Handicaps 25 - 36 known as the County Shield and one for Handicaps 12 - 24, known as the Perry Cup. A total of 5 matches are played, the format is Matchplay, full handicap. Annie C arranges the County Shield matches and Branston played their first match in the County Shield at home against Great Barr.
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| Sheila and Me on the 15th |
It was again a beautiful, hot, sunny day and I was off last with Sheila who played off 33, a lovely lady who was Lady Captain at Great Barr some years ago.Some good and some bad shots by me but Sheila was steady all the way round so I had my work cut out. I managed to win the game by the 16th so we had a lovely leisurely finish to the match on the 17th and 18th.
My practice shots over the 18th a few days earlier paid off, my tee shot landed just passed the Bridge and then my reliable 4 wood landed around 6 ft from the pin. I would have been happy with the par but managed the birdie putt.
Next round against Drayton Park
THURSDAY 14th APRIL - SPONDON TROPY LADIES INTER-CLUB GOLF COMPETITION (for the over 50's)
Competition Details - This is a knock out completion and the first 2 rounds are on a regional basis. For round 1 only, 2 matches make up the result, one match played at ‘Home’, the other play away and both scores aggregated to form a Round 1 result. Matches are to be played in singles match play over 18 holes and there are 7 matches in each roundThe winning club holds the Ladies Spondon Taskers Inter-Club Knockout Trophy for 12 months. The proceeds from the competitions are distributed to the finalists' club junior sections and the County Unions represented for the furtherment of Girls Junior Golf.
For Round 1, Branston were drawn ‘Away’ against Wollaston Park on Friday 10th April, and were just pipped at the post and lost 4-3 result. This meant we needed a 5 – 2 win to go into Round 2. Having played a few days earlier in Matchplayers Day at Branston, it gave me another chance to experience this format. Each of the 7 matches played in descending handicap order, and my opponent was a lovely lady Christine who played off a very steady handicap of 24, therefore I had just 1 shot in hand on holes 1 – 4.
My mind set was to take advantage of the extra shot and as a result made sure that I won each of those holes. (Thanks Team Captain, you know what for....)
Christine was very accurate with her chipping and putting so I really had my work cut out to match her on the other holes. By the 14th, I was 4 up and again just wanted to half or at best, win the 15th which I did. A good 6 – 1 win for Branston and now we’re through to Round 2.
Team: Chris Pa (captain), Gill S, Chris Pe, Cherry, Rita, Helen H, and me (yes, I know you are amazed, but we all qualify, only just)
Update: Just heard from Team Captain that the next Round is Home against Mapperley
SATURDAY 12th FEBRUARY - Daily Mail Foursomes
The Daily Mail Foursomes is regarded as the greatest amateur golfing event in the world with more than 190,000 players competing in their club qualifying rounds.
Entry is open to members of golf clubs in England, Scotland and Wales, with each club invited to enter one men's pair and one women's pair in the championships.
Each club can either nominate or hold their own qualifying competition.
Branston held the competition at the end of last year and I was fortunate enough to win with my partner Danny M. The winners then go forward to play in the subsequent qualifying knockout rounds which must be played by a deadline in order for the final to be played later in October this year.
The eliminating rounds are on a knock-out principle decided over 18 holes foursomes matchplay, then if the match is tied after 18 holes, playcontinues until a hole is won on a 'sudden death' basis.
Entry is open to members of golf clubs in England, Scotland and Wales, with each club invited to enter one men's pair and one women's pair in the championships.
Each club can either nominate or hold their own qualifying competition.
Branston held the competition at the end of last year and I was fortunate enough to win with my partner Danny M. The winners then go forward to play in the subsequent qualifying knockout rounds which must be played by a deadline in order for the final to be played later in October this year.
The eliminating rounds are on a knock-out principle decided over 18 holes foursomes matchplay, then if the match is tied after 18 holes, playcontinues until a hole is won on a 'sudden death' basis.
However as Danny is about to become a mum, I played with Gill S and we were drawn to play our first match away at Drayton Park.
It was a beautiful, hot, sunny day however I did have the obligatory nerves. We were playing with Lynn C who plays of 17 and.... who plays off 4 and didnt put a foot wrong. They won the match and are playing in the 2nd round at Aston Wood Golf Club so fingers crossed they will do well.
I'll get an update from Lynn so we can all follow their progress.
Gill told her usual jokes on the way round, we loved the one about the male golfer having a bad day and suffering from LOFT, ask her to tell you when you next see her. We both enjoyed playing at Drayton Park and must mention their fine collection of gentlemen golfers with impeccable manners and a big thank you to them for letting us through at every hole.
