It’s been a quite a year for amateur golf in Great Britain and we asked some our leading players what were their stand-out moments and also asked them to look ahead to 2022
‘Just eight birdies and the rest pars. The women then got some Prosecco for us all to celebrate with after which was lovely’
1) Your best round of the year and why?
That came in a casual Tuesday medal at my away course Hickleton (August 10th). I’ve been a member since I was nine. I shot 65 which was -8, breaking the ladies’ course record. I’d had a couple of rounds close to the course record in previous years but I finally managed it. It was a bogey free round, so just eight birdies and the rest pars. The women then got some Prosecco for us all to celebrate with after which was lovely.
2) Your best shot of the year and why?
This would have to be the hole in one I had during the English Women’s Championship. It was at Headingley in the first round on the 17th. Although England Golf said the hole was only 139 yards in their report it was actually 150 (ish)! I was having a rubbish round and it was slow, so we were waiting on the tee. When it was our turn none of our Bushnells could get the flag. I remember in the practice round my dad saying seven iron wasn’t enough so I just pulled six out and hit it. It landed front left of the green and followed the contours of the green to the middle/back pin. I was so shocked, but at least it was a good strike!
3) The best shot you saw and why?
The best shot I saw recently was Matty Lamb’s second shot into the 17th at Carnoustie during the Dunhill Links earlier this month. He hit a driver off the deck as it was into a howling wind, and it was executed so well. It finished on the left edge of the green about 30 feet away but was such a great shot. So many others laid up after being so far back off the tee, but he played aggressive, and it paid off.
4) Your favourite moment of 2021 (this could be personal or something completely random but golf related)?
There has been a couple of highlights. I think winning the Yorkshire County Championships would be one of my favourite moments. It is something which I have always wanted to win as there are some great players on that trophy and I’m proud that my name has joined them. It is also such a draining few days but enjoyable as you get to play with and against friends.
5) Your hopes and ambitions for 2022?
The start of next year will be difficult as, more than ever before, I will have to balance finishing my degree with my golf. But I hope that the work which I will have put in over the winter will allow for a quick start to the season and hopefully some more consistent golf. I would love to retain my county championship trophy and kick on further in the national events as this year I’ve had some poor results.
6) One thing you would change about about golf for next season?
The handicap system. In University events, which I have been playing, you must submit your card to your club for them to input them. This a lot of hassle and leaves the door open to people picking and choosing which cards to put in, which is unfair.