The County Shield competition due to be held at Luffenham on the 9th July has been cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. The County Executive have taken the decision to postpone this event with health and safely to all our members being our primary concern.

Temperatures of 32 degrees are forecast and as it is a team event we feel that this is the appropriate course of action.

The competitions secretary will review alternative dates and will be in touch with all clubs.

We thank you for your understanding at this very short notice but as we have said your health ad safety is paramount.

Foxes Fight to the Final Day at Midlands North Region County Match Week 2026

The Leicestershire & Rutland Ladies Golf Association team travelled to Shropshire for England Golf's Midlands North Region County Match Week, hosted by Shropshire at Shifnal Golf Club from Monday 1st June to Wednesday 3rd June 2026.

Preparations began on Sunday 31st May with a productive practice round. Players went out in groups, testing potential pairings and familiarising themselves with the course ahead of the competition. The atmosphere was relaxed but focused, and it was clear that the Foxes were ready for the challenge ahead.

The week started brightly, with the team settling quickly into the challenge of county match play. Throughout the tournament, every player contributed to the county effort, displaying determination, resilience and tremendous team spirit. Match play golf often swings on the smallest of margins, and the Leicestershire & Rutland players fought hard for every point against strong opposition from across the Midlands North Region.

As the week progressed, the Foxes showed exactly the qualities that their mascot represents – persistence, intelligence and an unwillingness to give up. Whether leading from the front or battling back from difficult positions, the team remained supportive of one another and continued to compete with pride in county colours.

Day 1

Match 1 – Staffordshire

The Foxes opened their campaign against a strong Staffordshire side, with plenty of closely contested matches played in great spirit throughout the morning.

Making their County Week debuts, Edie Speirs and Lucy Wheeler stepped straight into the foursomes and showed no signs of nerves. Ellie York and Lucy Wheeler produced a fantastic comeback from three holes down to secure an excellent 2&1 victory. Karen Haynes added a valuable point in the singles, while the rest of the team battled hard in matches that remained competitive throughout and some went to the 18^th hole proving very close.

Although Leicestershire & Rutland narrowly missed out on the overall result, there were plenty of positives to take from the opening match, with every player contributing to a determined team performance.

Match 2 – Derbyshire

The team showed great character in the afternoon against Derbyshire. As the weather turned and the rain arrived, concentration and resilience became even more important.

The foursomes were shared, with one point going to each county. Ellie York and Lucy Wheeler continued their impressive partnership, recording a commanding 7&6 victory. In the singles, Edie Speirs marked her County Week singles debut with an excellent 4&3 win, while Jo Morris-Bourne secured another crucial point with a superb birdie two.

There were hard-fought battles throughout the team, with every player playing their part in a closely contested encounter. Those performances helped secure a well-earned 3–2 victory and ensured the Foxes finished Day 1 on a high.

Day 2

Match 3 – Shropshire

What a fantastic start to Day 2 for Leicestershire & Rutland.

Facing the host county on their home turf was always going to be a challenge, with many of the Shropshire players enjoying extensive knowledge of Shifnal Golf Club. However, the Foxes were unfazed and came out fighting.

The foursomes produced two valuable points. The Lutterworth pairing of Lucy Wheeler and Ellie York continued their outstanding form, securing their third win from three matches, while captain Rachel East and Eleanor Parkinson delivered a dominant 8&6 victory.

In the singles, every player fought hard against strong opposition. A special mention goes to Ella Cunningham, making her County Week debut against a former Ladies European Tour player playing off +3.0 and representing her home club. Ella rose to the challenge magnificently, playing her own game and more than holding her own against elite opposition.

The decisive point came from Tracy Bourne in the final singles match, securing a memorable 3–2 victory for Leicestershire & Rutland.

Match 4 – Nottinghamshire

The afternoon match against Nottinghamshire proved to be the most dramatic contest of the week.

Lucy Wheeler and Ellie York once again delivered in the foursomes, claiming another point with a 5&3 victory, while Karen Haynes produced some beautifully steady par golf to secure an impressive 5&4 win.

Everything came down to the final match on the course.

A special mention must go to Jo Morris-Bourne, who produced an incredible comeback from three down with three holes remaining. Refusing to give in, Jo battled back to halve her match and secure the all-important half point for the team.

As the drama unfolded, every member of Team Leicestershire & Rutland gathered to support Jo over the closing holes. A sea of blue shirts lined the fairways, united behind their teammate in a wonderful display of county spirit.

That crucial half point secured a 2½–2½ victory and kept the Foxes firmly in contention heading into the final day. Suddenly, the possibility of lifting the regional title was within reach. A 4–1 victory against Lincolnshire, combined with favourable results elsewhere, would give Leicestershire & Rutland a chance of becoming champions.

Day 3

Match 5 – Lincolnshire

The final match of the competition was against a formidable Lincolnshire side.

To have any chance of becoming Midlands North Region Champions, the Foxes needed a 4–1 victory.

The team embraced the challenge and made a positive start, but despite another spirited performance, Lincolnshire proved too strong on the day, winning the match 4–1.

One highlight came from Tracy Bourne and Eleanor Parkinson, who produced a superb 6&5 victory against Lincolnshire's top foursomes pairing – a performance of the highest quality under pressure.

While the result ended hopes of the title, the team could reflect on an outstanding week of golf.

To be in contention for the championship going into the final day was a tremendous achievement and an opportunity Leicestershire & Rutland have not enjoyed for many years.

Every player contributed throughout the week. Whether winning points on the course, battling until the final putt, caddying, offering advice and encouragement, or simply ensuring teammates were fuelled with water and snacks, everyone played their part.

In true Foxes spirit, the team hunted together, supported one another, and represented Leicestershire & Rutland with pride.

Final Standings

Lincolnshire – 9 points Staffordshire – 6 points Leicestershire & Rutland – 5 points Derbyshire – 4 points Shropshire – 3 points Nottinghamshire – 3 points

A special thank you goes to our fantastic captain, Rachel East, who led the team with determination, enthusiasm and commitment throughout the week. A true Fox and an outstanding ambassador for Leicestershire & Rutland.

Finally, a massive thank you to all the organisers working tirelessly behind the scenes, the supporters, caterers, hostesses, greenkeepers and everyone at Shifnal Golf Club for their wonderful hospitality throughout the week. Events such as County Match Week simply could not happen without their dedication and hard work.

Thank you to everyone who supported Team Leicestershire & Rutland throughout MNR County Week 2026, the cards and messages were so uplifting. Your encouragement meant so much to the players and helped drive the team forward every step of the way.

The Foxes may not have lifted the trophy this time, but they left Shifnal with heads held high, proud of what they achieved together and excited for what lies ahead.

MNR COUNTY WEEK 2026 - SHIFNAL GC 

Monday 1st June - Wednesday 3rd June 

Leicestershire & Rutland Ladies 1st Team v Bedfordshire
Lutterworth Golf Club | Sunday 17th May 2025

Leicestershire & Rutland Ladies 1st Team enjoyed a hugely successful day at Lutterworth Golf Club on Sunday 17th May, securing an impressive 7–1 victory over Bedfordshire in what proved to be an invaluable fixture ahead of County Week.

The match provided a fantastic opportunity for the squad to come together, strengthen team bonds and gain valuable competitive experience in the foursomes format. As every county golfer knows, foursomes is a unique discipline where successful partnerships are often the key to success. Finding the right pairings, building trust and ensuring players feel comfortable alongside one another can make all the difference, and this fixture offered the perfect platform to develop those combinations under match conditions.

Leicestershire & Rutland made a flying start in the morning session, producing a clean sweep of the foursomes matches. Strong performances throughout the team saw four points secured from four, giving the hosts a commanding advantage heading into the afternoon.

The momentum continued after lunch with another excellent display. The team added three further points from the afternoon matches, demonstrating both depth and resilience across the squad. The players adapted well to the challenges of foursomes golf, supporting one another superbly and showing the competitive spirit that will be so important during County Week.

While the result itself was excellent, the day was about much more than the scoreboard. It was a chance for players to play alongside potential County Week partners, learn more about each other's games and build confidence as a team. The encouraging performances and positive atmosphere throughout the day will undoubtedly provide a significant boost.

A final score of 7–1 reflected an outstanding all-round team effort and gives the squad plenty of confidence as preparations continue. Congratulations to all the players involved on a fantastic win and a very productive day at Lutterworth Golf Club.

Match Result:
Leicestershire & Rutland Ladies 7 – 1 Bedfordshire

Community Golf Instructor Course at Kirby Muxloe GC

Following on from the Women in Golf Charter round table discussions held during our recent County Management Meetings, we are delighted to share some fantastic progress in supporting and growing the women’s game across Leicestershire & Rutland.

Thanks to the initiative and organisation of Julie Dawson at Kirby Muxloe Golf Club, Kirby Muxloe kindly hosted an England Golf Community Golf Instructor (CGI) course. This opportunity was promoted by the county to all affiliated clubs, Lady Captains and Women in Golf Charter Champions, with the aim of encouraging more volunteers and ambassadors to become qualified to deliver introductory golf activity sessions within their clubs and local communities.

We were thrilled with the response, with 15 participants attending the course, 9 of whom were women. Even more excitingly, the day resulted in five additional female Community Golf Instructors now qualified within our county. This is a hugely positive step forward as we continue to create more accessible opportunities for women and girls to try golf, return to golf, and feel supported in club environments.

The course itself was a tremendous success from start to finish. There was a real sense of enthusiasm, positivity and energy throughout the day, with everyone embracing the learning experience and working together brilliantly. The sunshine certainly helped create a wonderful atmosphere, and there was plenty of fun alongside the learning.

A huge thank you goes to Pete Forster and Lewis Marr from England Golf, who delivered the course superbly. Their knowledge, encouragement and engaging style ensured the day was highly informative, practical and enjoyable for everyone involved. The activities were extremely well planned, comprehensive and designed to give all attendees the confidence and tools needed to deliver future sessions successfully.

We would like to congratulate our newly qualified female Community Golf Instructors:

• Clare McLaughlin – Scraptoft Golf Club
  • Mandy Gamble – Lady Captain, Kirby Muxloe Golf Club
  • Sharon Statham – Cosby Golf Club
  • Julie Dawson – Kirby Muxloe Golf Club
  • Becky Ginn – Hinckley Golf Club

Their enthusiasm and commitment to developing the women’s game is greatly appreciated, and we are proud to have so many passionate women within our county prepared to give their time and energy to supporting others into golf.

These new instructors will play an important role in helping clubs deliver beginner sessions, social coaching opportunities and recruitment events, all of which are key to growing female participation and strengthening the future of the game locally.

COMMUNICATION

Following the courses, L&RLCGA has established a Club Activators and CGI Group to allow the newly qualified Activators and CGIs to keep in contact, share good practice, engage in discussions, ask questions, generate ideas, and support one another as they implement their skills at their home clubs. This WhatsApp group is very active and is monitored by Rachel East.