Bird Ladies
Come on Lady Golfers of Bedfordshire!
When it comes to County golf Bedfordshire is at a bit of a disadvantage in that there are only 23 golf clubs in the county and as such, this limits the number of golfers available for selection to the county teams. Near neighbors Hertfordshire have over 70 clubs! Nevertheless Bedfordshire battles on and are willing to compete with the best. Their team spirit is never bowed and they often surprise their opposition with some fiery displays despite a perceived ”on paper” inferiority. As a team Bedfordshire go into battle with their heads held high, proud to be representing their county. They always bring plenty of supporters with them, often outnumbering the home county support. They even have their own travelling physiotherapist Lynn Pearce, who is kept busy after matches repairing tired and strained limbs and getting her team ready to do battle again the next day.
County week is the big test for the Bedfordshire Ladies. For those unfamiliar with the format, 6 counties meet for a round robin of matches over 5 days to decide on the area champions who then in turn move on to compete at the national level against the other area champions. The counties who make up the six are Bedfordshire, Cambs & Hunts, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. It is a grueling week for the ladies as each match involves 18 holes foursomes in the morning followed by 18 holes singles in the afternoon for 5 days! Some of Bedfordshire’s most resilient players have been known to play all 10 games. All the teams stay in a hotel near the venue and there is a great atmosphere. Lots of the players have been playing county week for a number of years and there are many good friendships intermingled with healthy rivalry, so a good bit of banter occurs.
Introducing the Bedfordshire team: Captain Elaine Bruce and Vice Captain Sheleagh Cormack are a couple of wily old birds who have more than a few years experience between them. Elaine is a playing Captain so Sheleagh will be a keen observer on the course as she seeks to find the strengths and weaknesses not only of the opposition but of her own team. Picking the players to compete each day is one of the most demanding tasks of the week. Everyone on the Bedfordshire team wants to be part of every match. Leading from the front are our two scratch players Laura Collin and Sally Shayler who contested a thrilling County Championship final from which Laura emerged victorious. Then, in no particular order, we have two experienced campaigners in Bridie Quinn and Cecilia Holden both of whom will give their all for the cause. Then we have a youthful group of Kate Wright, Lizzie Sweetnam, Katie Burman, Megan Birdsie and the debutant 16 year old Sophie Hillier. All in all, a good blend of youth and experience.
The Bedfordshire caddies are worth a mention as they perform valiantly under extreme pressure from aching limbs knowing that they will be rewarded with sloppy kisses and pints of something cold and wet, win or lose! When she is not playing for the team Gunnie runs the caddies who include Ashley Cullen, Nick Burman, John Holden, Patricia Wilson, Jill Latch, Margaret Watchorn and many more.
The 2010 County Week is being held at West Herts golf club near Watford from 14th to the 18th June. If any of you Bedfordians are interesting in coming to support our ladies please please please wear something yellow to support Bedfordshire.
About the Author
John Holden is the editor of Activ Bedford the business and community directory for Bedford and the surrounding area. Visit our site to find out what is happening both in Business and in the Community.
Male birds show off their beauty to attract females – David Attenborough – BBC wildlife
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