STOVER Golf Club “Were extremely honoured and proud to host the England Women’s County Finals” explained the club’s General Manager, Simon Bawden.
Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Norfolk and Surrey were the six counties to descend on Newton Abbot for a practice day on Thursday, September 19, followed by three days of fierce competition.
The dust has now settled at the club and Bawden told the Mid-Devon Advertiser that “It really couldn’t have been better and it certainly put Stover on the map as far as England Golf is concerned.”
Nottinghamshire were named as the champions for the second time in their history after overcoming Surrey in a hugely dramatic finale and can be seen smiling from ear-to-ear with the coveted trophy in their hands.
Laura Morris and Jorja Newbold were the pairing to secure the title for their county, despite there still being a further two matches out on the new-look Stover course.
Bawden highlighted one particular individual who played a crucial role in the success of these few days: “The event and army of volunteers was very well coordinated by our lead organiser Sarah Arnold who left no stone unturned and liaised, right from the start, with England Golf and their team and the six counties that qualified.”
Each county brought along a whole host of golfers, team members and supporters, making for a memorable occasion for all participating.
The winning captain, Julie Revill was one of many to write or email Stover and laud them with praise for their involvement in the event, as can be seen from the picture of their busy noticeboard.
She writes, “From the minute we arrived at Stover we were greeted with the warmest of welcomes. It continued all weekend and made for such a great competition and atmosphere.
“Stover, you are an amazing bunch of people. Thank you so much for having us,” Revill continued.
To prove that these thanks aren’t brought on by the winning feeling that Notts departed Devon with, a member of the Dorset team signed off their handwritten card by saying “Once again, many thanks to you and all of your members”, and they came sixth on the day.
Championship Manager Emma Anderson was another to outline “the incredible work of Sarah Arnold”, as well as giving deserved shoutouts to the catering team, Jason & his greenkeeping group and the pro shop too.
There were also complimentary words coming in from spectators with no horse in the race, owing to the work put in by all at Stover.
Next year’s event will take place at Selby GC in North Yorkshire and the bar has been set high for them from the sounds of it.