England women’s squad unveiled for the 2022/23 season
England Golf today announced that two of the North East’s leading lights have been added to the women’s squad for the 2022/23 season.
British Amateur champion Jess Baker (Gosforth Park Ladies) returns to set-up while teenager Rachel Gourley (Arcot Hall), who this year became the first amateur winner of a Rose Series event, steps up from the Girls squad. With Whitley Bay’s Rosie Belsham also included it means half the players come from Northumberland.
The trio joined established internationals Charlotte Heath (Huddersfield), Caley McGinty (Knowle) and Lottie Woad (Farnham, Surrey) in the set-up. All three were part of the side that defended their European Team Championship and also represented their country in the World Team Championships in Paris.
England Women’s Squad 22/23:
• Jess Baker (Gosforth Park Ladies, Northumberland)
• Rosie Belsham (Whitley Bay, Northumberland)
• Rachel Gourley (Arcot Hall, Northumberland)
• Charlotte Heath (Huddersfield, Yorkshire)
• Caley McGinty (Knowle, Gloucestershire)
• Lottie Woad (Farnham, Surrey)
Rebecca Hembrough, performance manager for women’s golf at England Golf, said: “These six talented and competitive young women fully deserve their call-ups and I look forward to watching them develop their games and represent England with pride and passion on a world stage.
“England has performed superbly in team events in recent years with our players also claiming notable amateur victories at home, in Europe and internationally.”
The changes were partially forced on the selectors with England mainstay Annabell Fuller earlier this year announcing she was stepping back from representative golf. The Surrey player, who is currently studying at the University of Florida, has already played Curtis Cup three times having made her GB&I debut aged just 15.
Steve Robinson has once again been named as lead coach. The Yorkshireman has been in the role for 15 years.
Hembrough added: “With Steve’s coaching expertise and an excellent support team in place, I’m confident this squad will have a strong platform from which to build and enjoy more success in the season ahead.”