What could be nicer than 36 holes at North Foreland in the Spring? Well, pretty much anything, as it turned out. When you arrive at a coastal course and the seagulls are wearing overcoats and walking, you know you're in for it. Mother nature was cruel indeed and the words "˜cold', "˜windy' and "˜relentless' don't really do it justice!
Despite the vicious weather, the greenkeepers had presented the course in an excellent condition for the 2024 Women's Amateur Championship, but scoring was heavily impacted by the freak conditions.
Showing superb resilience and winning the stunning Maconochie Hill Silver Claret Jug was Alessandra Kutz (Prince's) with a two round total of 157. Runner-up spot went to Alex Ord (Canterbury) on 166, on countback from Danielle Thwaites (Boughton).
Ali McGuirk (Prince's) used her links experience to take the nett prize with an impressive 154, with Selina Bartarya (Chelsfield Lakes) coming second on 158, just pipping Anne-Marie Forrester (Sundridge Park) on countback.
The Team Shield was won by the Prince's team of Ally Kutz, Sandy Hallet, Ali McGuirk and Ali Chapman.
Our thanks go to North Foreland for their usual friendly and generous hospitality, and a special thank you to our volunteers and referees - Simon Wood, Marilyn Brown, Ken Hannah, Angela Jones, Cheryl Power, and Mark Ward. They truly went above and beyond and "˜thank you' seems distinctly insufficient.
We wish Alessandra all the very best when she represents Kent in the England Golf Champion of Champions event on the 8th September at Woodhall Spa. We are sure she will do us proud!