Well what a relief after a Saturday deluge which closed the course…. on Sunday May 9th the Qualifying Day for the Ladies’ County Championships took place at Longcliffe Golf Club. A field of 38 players, including 6 juniors, played 36 holes of stroke play to qualify for the top 16 places, 8 of whom will play in the Championship Quarter and Semi-finals, while the next 8 play in the Russell Trophy Quarters and Semis, to be played on Saturday May 15th. The field started early in drizzly conditions with a gusty wind, but the sun came out for the afternoon rounds which were played in calmer conditions. Longcliffe Golf Course was at its prettiest with bluebells and cherry blossom throughout. A special mention should be made of Fiona Sharman of Luffenham Heath Golf Club who scored a Hole In One on the 5th! The best gross score of this first day was a remarkable 150 by Jo Morris of Willesley Park Golf Club. The nett prize went to Diana Miller of Lingdale with a gross score of 163 to give a nett score of 145. Second nett was Gemma Parkes-Walley of Lutterworth Golf Club with a gross score of 161 less 12 to give a nett score of 149. Caz Parkes- Walley also scored well with a gross score of 155, but neither of these players are able to play next weekend so won’t be in the 16 players going forward. The 8 players for the Championship match play, including 3 juniors, are Jo Morris, Eleanor Parkinson, Helen Lowe, Tracy Bourne, Eleanor Bailey, Holly Waterfield, Diana Miller and Sarah Haslum. The 8 qualifiers for the Russell Trophy are Suzanne Pretty, Ellie York, Francesca Brimm, Alison Smith, Lisa Porter, Fiona Sharman, Rachel Miller and Paula McCourt, and also include a junior. A great day was had by all, with huge support from the Host Club, and we are looking forward to the Quarter and Semi finals of the Championship and the Russell Trophy on Saturday May 15th .

Amanda Morgan

County Champs Organiser