What started as a pipe dream in 2022 became reality recently for The City of Newcastle Golf Club when they hosted the England Women's Champion Club tournament.
“We’ve been working to get this event for three years but all the effort has been completely worthwhile,” said Louise Lewis who led the club’s organising team. “It’s been absolutely fantastic.”
Bishops Stortford Ladies may have left Tyneside with the English Women’s Champion Club Trophy on board but a host of other teams will have headed south with great memories of their weekend at The City.
Compliments were flying from all quarters embracing a tricky course, excellent greens and a fine welcome from enthusiastic hosts.
This was only the third year that the event had been staged and was certainly a fine opportunity for the club to make its mark on the national game.
The champion teams from twenty five counties teed off on a course which had been adapted for a 5,727 yard, par 73 challenge with the best two scores from three to count over two rounds. Royal Ashdown Forest claimed the prize for longest drive – by car, that is – with a 660 mile round trip.
England Golf had taken over the course for four days to provide time for setting up, a practice round and two days for competition.
The City’s Greens team, led by Craig Parkinson, clearly made the course challenging with only two clubs finishing over par in single figures.
England Golf Tournament Director Lewis Goodwin was full of praise for how the event had turned out. “It’s been very successful” he declared. “We’ve had great feedback on how Greenkeeper Craig set up the course with interesting pin positions. The greens were excellent, with the speed perfect for this level of golf.
“The greatest compliments, though, were for the terrific welcome all the players received, how well they were treated and looked after.”
It was certainly an occasion when the clubhouse, refurbished so dramatically in 2019, looked at its best with its flexible social spaces working impressively well. Full credit to all the hospitality team, led by Mike Allsopp, who were kept very busy ensuring players, supporters and volunteers were catered for with a special Championship menu.
Leading the club’s merry band of volunteers was Tournament Co-ordinator, Director Louise Lewis who set the standard for enthusiasm.
“We were honoured to host the 3rd England Golf Women’s Champion Club competition. It is even more special as our Women’s section is celebrating its Centenary this year. We are delighted that so many teams have travelled so far to compete, hopefully raising the profile of golf in the North East of England.
‘Our staff and volunteers have worked extremely hard to ensure the competition is an experience the players will remember.
“Big thanks also to the whole club membership. We didn’t get one word of complaint about taking over the course for four days. It was great to know we had so much support behind us.
“We feel we’ve helped put our club on the England golf map.”
Bishops Stortford from Hertfordshire lifted the trophy with a total of 293 for their best two scores over two days. They were six shots clear of North Hants who’s runnersup status was reward for another 600 mile plus round trip.
The Herts team had maintained their overnight lead of 1 over par. Haley Yerxa entered scores of 75 and 70 racking up 4 birdies and an eagle on the second, and final, day contributing to the only under par score by any team.
Hexham represented Northumberland and finished a commendable 10th, with Durham’s South Moor one place behind them.
Fern Snailham, General Manager, praised the City community who had pulled together to create an event to remember for many people, players, supporters, staff and volunteers alike.
For more information contact:
Louise Lewis
07986 563175 loulew@live.co.uk
Roger Tames
07702 640752 roger@tames.media