Players from 25 clubs competed in the inaugural Midlands South Girls’ Championship at Studley Wood Golf Club on 5th August. Having driven through torrential downpours en route to the venue, several County representatives and supporters were surprised to find that the course was virtually unscathed and that play in the 36-hole Strokeplay event was able to go ahead on schedule.

Gemma Dryburgh from Beaconsfield GC (Bucks) shot rounds of 76 and 79 (total of 155) to become the first Regional Girls’ Champion. The runner up was Zoe Edwards from South Herefordshire GC with a total of 158, on count back from Gemma’s club mate Zoe Fitz-Costa, also from Beaconsfield.

The U15 scratch Champion was Meghan Maclaren from Wellingborough GC (Northants) with a total of 156, with Abi Laker of Burford GC (Oxon) in second place with a total of 159.

The Handicap Championship was closely contested, with some excellent scores coming in late in the day. The eventual winner was Aimee Field from Halesowen GC (Worcs & Hfds) who shot a nett 65 in the afternoon to win with an overall nett score of 135. Only two shots behind was Melissa Nicol from Moor Hall GC (Warcs) who had the best nett score in the morning round of 67 and a total score of 137.

The County team prize (best two nett scores from three nominated players) was won by the hosts, Oxfordshire, with a score of 279 (13 shots under par for the course). The winning team comprised Sophie Stone (Studley Wood), who used her local knowledge to good effect, plus Flora McPhail and Cara Gainer (both from Frilford Heath).