DEVONGOLF GIRLS SHINE IN SW GIRLS' INTER-COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP 2021

Congratulations DevonGolf Girls on coming second in the South West Girls' Inter-Counties Championship. A fantastic feat under their new U18s Girls' Team Manager Hannah Stephens. Hannah has taken to the job with enthusiasm which has rubbed off on the girls who play golf for Devon. 

Alongside the more experienced Vicky Holloway, DevonGolf's Women's Second Team Manager, Hannah has brought together the team for the South West Girls' Inter-Counties Championship at the Isle of Wedmore Golf Club in Somerset. 

Organising a team in Covid times was no easy task for Hannah who worked hard to get the girls together for coaching and practice as best as circumstances would allow. Her team members were:

Lauren McGinnis (Churston) Handicap 0.8
Carys Morris (Portmore) Handicap 6.2
Sophie Page (Exeter) Handicap 7.9
Susie Carr (Exminster) Handicap 8.1
Ruby Davis (Saunton) Handicap 8.7
Chloe Hall (Exeter) Handicap 10.4
Flossy Voaden (Exeter) Handicap 13
Hannah Reynolds (Exeter) Handicap 15.3

In her last year for the team and as Junior Girls' Team Captain for 2021, this year was pretty special for Lauren - made even more special by receiving her A-level results just a few minutes before teeing up for her morning singles match on the second day - results securing her a place at Bath University, her first choice. Watch out for Lauren on the university golf team!

The youngest team member is Susie Carr, just turned 13 in April and, alongside Ruby Davis, was making her debut appearance for Devon.

Covid fears dogged the organisation of the event, indeed occasionally threatened cancellation. However, just on the right side of lockdown restrictions, the competition was able to go ahead. Sunday was the practice day and matches commenced on the Monday. Devon were drawn to play Wiltshire, with Carolyn Maynard (Immediate Past DevonGolf President) as starter for the girls' first match. Playing Foursomes together for the first time, Ruby Davis and Hannah Reynolds had a convincing 5-3 victory. Sophie Page, representing Devon for the first time, continued this success by easily winning her first match 5-4 against a very talented 1 handicap golfer, a huge achievement. It was then left to debutant Susie Carr to secure the team win by winning her singles match 3-2 on the 16th, an overall 3-2 win for Devon. This was a great start for the team and setting the tone for the upcoming matches.

The afternoon saw Devon drawn against the might that is the Somerset team. Somerset have some 60 or so girls from which to choose and fielded a team with handicaps ranging from 6 to +1. Before Devon could take to the tee, the weather took its' toll and came in monsoon proportions. Some girls were already on the course and were called in and, after a short wait, returned to the course. Unfortunately, the rain hadn't finished and all matches were abandoned and each team was awarded a half.

By Tuesday morning the sun was back in charge and Devon played Dorset. Flossy Voaden & Chloe Hall won their Foursomes game 3-1 with Carys Morris securing a half in her singles on the 18th green. The other 3 matches were hard fought and all came down the last putt on the 18th green. It was so close but ultimately a win for Dorset 3½-1½.

The afternoon saw Devon square up to Cornwall with a bit of a change team wise in an attempt to deal with the Cornish team's higher handicaps. The Foursomes pairings of Lauren McGinnis & Carys Morris and Flossy Voaden & Chloe Hall both won their games for Devon (3-2 and 2-1). Sophie Page took her match to the 18th after a very strong back 9 but just lost out, as did Hannah Reynolds. Susie Carr remained very calm under pressure, as did her opponent 16-year old Maisie Drewett as they went down the 18th fairway. The green was surrounded by spectators all eagerly hanging on for the result of this final match of the day. Susie & Masie tied their game giving Cornwall and Devon both 2½ points.

So, it all hung on Wednesday morning and the final matches between Gloucestershire v Devon, Somerset v Dorset and Cornwall v Wiltshire. Lauren McGinnis & Carys Morris continued their good form to win their Foursomes game 3-2, a fitting end to Lauren’s last year for Devon Under 18’s. Flossy Voaden & Chloe Hall’s dream team remained intact after halving their match on the 18th with a clutch putt from Flossy after a very tricky shot from Chloe Hall from the steeply banked fringe - meaning they were undefeated for the competition. Sophie Page and Ruby Davis had convincing Singles wins (4-3 & 2-0). Ruby remaining undefeated for Devon in her first Inter-Counties (squeezing in a third victory in County cricket against Wales in between her golf games!) to bring Devon home the winners of the match 3½-1½. 

It was pleasing to see that all girls tasted victory for Devon, either in Singles or Foursomes. Each and every one brought home points for Devon and their efforts paid off.

When it came to the final reckoning, 3 teams were tied for first and the points meant that Gloucestershire won with 11 points and Devon were in second place with 10½ points. It doesn't get much closer than that! It was a brilliant few days for our Devon Girls who played magnificent golf against some very experienced and accomplished golfers from the other counties. All praise to Hannah Stephens and Vicky Holloway who have given their all - and all praise to the Devon Girls who repaid their dedication in spades. And, finally, thanks to the girls' parents and families for their continued support.

Next year's competition will be hosted by Cornwall and the DevonGolf Girls will be looking to go one better, building on this success to become even stronger.

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