As always, the season kicked off with our annual fixture against the Army Golf Club. The team consisted of:
Maj Gina Smith Sgt Loreen Siaga
Maj Kylie Lakin Cpl Amy Coles
WO1 Vicky van Zyl Cpl Lizzy Chapman
WO2 Mel van Zyl Cfn El Skinner
Despite our best efforts, the Army GC took the victory. Mel & Amy, along with Gina & El, both managed to secure half points. The final score was 3–1.
A massive well done to everyone who attended the event, and a special shout out to El Skinner, as this was her first representative match for the Army Women’s team! Also, a shout out to Amy Coles, who was recognised for her continued improvement over the winter season.
This month also saw Amy Coles and Lizzy Chapman appear in, and give an interview to, the British Army Soldier magazine to promote and highlight our golf section in order to recruit new members. A copy of the interview can be found at Soldier magazine
WHAT’S NEW MATCH UPDATES
Updates from the matches played
DEVELOPMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES
Updates from the development team and upcoming opportunities
GOOD NEWS STORIES
Highlighting some of the fantastic achievements across the section
An Update from April
Development Update
A short game clinic, led by club pro Matt Fieldsend, was held at the Chase Golf and Country Club on 16 Apr 25. After breakfast, the ladies headed to the short game area for a chipping clinic, including club selection to suit varying lies. Moving on to the putting area, Matt used various specialist pieces of equipment to teach with and explained in detail how to read greens and control pace. This was tested in some fun, competitive games.
This was followed by an in-depth lesson aimed at golfers of all experience levels. Players left with new skills to improve their game and information on how to build on the session.
Following the skills lessons, the group headed to the clubhouse for some lunch which, to be honest, warmed them up nicely before heading out to play 18 holes to put into practice what they had learnt in the morning session.
On behalf of the Army Women, we would like to send a huge thank you to Matt for his time and effort. The feedback from the day has been nothing but positive. Additionally, we would like to thank Claire Ham for organising a great day, even though she could have arranged nicer, warmer weather.
UKAFGA vs Oxfordshire
April saw two of our best Army players selected to represent UKAFGA at Tadmarton Heath GC against Oxfordshire. The team comprised eight players from all three services. Our Vice Captain, Mel van Zyl, along with seasoned player Kate Eastman, brought home the points, winning their pairs match and Kate winning her singles match. The final result was 6–6. Well done to both, and congratulations to Mel for being selected as the UKAFGA Captain!
Burnham and Berrow Match
By Emma Dann
A match that is always highly anticipated in the women’s golf diary and very well hosted by Burnham and Berrow (B&B) Golf Club. The team consisted of:
Lt Col (Retd) Woollard MBE Maj (Retd) Jayne Errington
Sgt Ham AGC SSgt A Kennedy
ATpr McLean Sgt K Kennedy RE
Lt Col (Retd) Fidell Sgt Dann RCAM
With a drastic change in weather this year from the torrential downpour of last year’s match to a lovely calm day with sunshine, the Army looked to reclaim the trophy. The format of the match was Better Ball. B&B fielded a very strong team and, even with the Army’s best efforts, B&B won 4–0, retaining the title for another year.
After an evening of socialising with the club’s ladies, the following day the Army team were invited to play the club’s nine-hole course.
All the best to the club on 1st July as they host the final Open qualifier.
Strokeplay at Liphook
By Diane Walters
Vinci – Pine Ridge
Claire Ham and Kylie Lakin attended the charity event at Pine Ridge GC on 8 May. The day started early with a bacon bap and an introduction to their playing partners. The day consisted of an 18-hole Stableford competition on a challenging but very picturesque course. Both ladies enjoyed the testing course and the camaraderie shown by all players, which included civilian contractors and serving military personnel.
After the golf was concluded, Claire and Kylie enjoyed a lovely meal, followed by a prize-giving and an auction to raise much-needed funds for BLESMA and Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
This year’s Strokeplay Championship was held at the esteemed Liphook Golf Club, where competitors were privileged to play on a course presented in immaculate condition. The greenkeeping team are to be commended for preparing the course to a standard comparable with that of an Open Championship qualifier.
Among the field of 72 players, Niki Sutton stood out as the sole female competitor. With much anticipation surrounding her performance, she rose to the occasion with distinction. Demonstrating commendable consistency and composure, she returned scores of 82, 83, 84, and 83 over the four rounds, ultimately securing a well-earned 19th-place finish.
High Handicap Championship
By Diane Walters
The High Handicap Championship made its return to Test Valley Golf Club this year. Despite an extended period of dry weather in the preceding weeks, the course was presented to an impressively high standard a credit to the dedication and expertise of the greenkeeping team.
This year’s championship welcomed four female competitors, each making her debut in an AGA Major: Freya Bowen, Amy Coles, Loreen Siaga, and Emily Murphy. Their participation marks a positive and encouraging step towards greater diversity and inclusion within the event.
All four players performed admirably, with Freya Bowen emerging as the leading contender among them. She narrowly missed out on the Championship title by just two points an outstanding effort for her first appearance at this level.
We very much hope to see participation continue to grow in future editions of the Championship.
Good News Stories Cont.
By Kimberley Glynn
Good News Stories
By Kimberley Glynn
Congratulations, Amy, for getting your handicap below 18… whoop whoop!!
Congratulations, Mel, for being selected as the UKAFGA Captain!
Claire, a massive thank you for organising a coaching clinic which has received amazing feedback.
Kirsty K, thank you for consistently engaging on the status of new players and highlighting names for us… it’s going to be the future of Army Golf. Mel and Niki, well done for not only entering St George’s Women’s Open but for both finishing in the top 12!
Well done to Alex for competing in her County Champs (Wales) and for competing in the AGA Wales Open. Consistently supporting Army Golf.
Thank you to Welly and Lizzy Chapman for making time for Soldier magazine to do an interview to try and get more females interested in the sport.
Well done to Lizzy Griggs for attending and competing in the RA Championships and being a female advocate for the RA.
Well done, Niki, for entering and competing in the Strokeplay Championships in what was a very strong field of competitors.
Amy has been recognised for her commitment so far this season. Her hard work and dedication, as well as her jovial personality, is infectious. Well done!!
Claire is also constantly improving and raising the bar. She has now shot her lowest round to date, with a score of 76 on a par 74 course.
Please keep us updated with all your achievements!
Coming up in June
Coming up in June
➢ Inter-Service Team Cohesion/Development Trip to Wales
➢ Inter Service Team Cohesion/Development trip to Wales
➢ UKAFGA match Vs Hants Ladies at Hayling Island
➢ UKAFGA match vs Hants Ladies at Hayling Island
Kate Eastman Niki Sutton
Photo Dump
Mel Van Zyl El Skinner
Kate Eastman Niki Sutton
Emma Dann
Mel van Zyl El Skinner
Emma Dann
➢ On Course Foundation mixed event at Brocket Hall
➢ On Course Foundation mixed event at Brocket Hall
Kylie Lakin Laura McLean
Kylie Lakin Laura McLean
Gina Smith Sue Lambert
Gina Smith Sue Lambert
➢ UKAFGA Mixed Pairs event at South Staffs
➢ UKAFGA Mixed Pairs Event South Staffs
Mel van Zyl Niki Sutton
Abi Kennedy El Skinner
Mel Van Zyl Niki Sutton
Emma Dann
Abi Kennedy El Skinner
Emma Dann
➢ Selection match vs Women’s Police
Alex O’Brien Emma Dann
➢ Selection match Vs Womens Police
Vicky van Zyl Kirsty Kennedy
Mel van Zyl Claire Ham
Alex O’Brien Emma Dann
Kim Glynn Laura McLean
Vicky Van Zyl Kirsty Kennedy
Abi Kennedy Sue Lambert
Mel Van Zyl Claire Ham
Kim Glynn
Laura McLean
Abi Kennedy Sue Lambert
All Admin Instructions have been sent out and, should you have any questions, please get in touch with someone from the committee. Happy golfing!
All Admin Instruction have been sent out and should you have any questions please get in touch with someone from the committee… happy golfing!!
