The inaugural Midlands South Championship (replacement of the SE Championship since the Regional changes made by EWGA) was held at Buckingham GC hosted by Buckinghamshire.
There was an entry of 30 players for the first day 36 holes stroke play. There were 4 entries from Oxfordshire – Jane Binning, Kate Evans, Annie Gowing and Kath O’Connor. The weather conditions proved to be tricky with heavy rain showers during the morning round, and a weather delay of nearly an hour in the afternoon due to thunder and lightning.
Jane Binning (73 & 77) and Kath O’Connor (77 & 81) both qualified for the knock out stages of the competition. Annie Gowing just missing out by 1 shot.
The weather on Wednesday was slightly kinder to the players with only light showers. Jane Binning played Ann Bridges (Mentmore) in the morning and won 4/3. Kath O’Connor played Hannah Coles (MaxstokePark). Kath started her round with 3 birdies in the first 5 holes to go 4 up. Kath went on to win 4/3. Both Jane & Kath played some lovely golf and went into their afternoon matches feeling very positive.
The afternoon matches meant Jane Binning played Clara Leathers (Ellesborough) and Kath O’Connor faced Megan Perry (Kidderminster). Again both Jane and Kath played very good, steady golf. On the 16th hole Jane produced an amazing 9 iron second shot from the light rough, behind some trees to within a tap in putt for birdie to win her match 3/2. Kath had a great result finishing 7/6.
Both Jane Binning and Kath O’Connor went on to play in the semi-finals on Thursday morning. Slightly disappointingly the 2 Oxfordshire players were drawn against each other! Both Jane and Kath played lovely, steady golf and the match was very close. Kath eventually won 2/1.
Kath went on to play Ashley Cramond (The Warwickshire), winner of the 36 hole stroke play competition on Tuesday. Ashley broke the course record with a 70 in her morning round on the first day!
Kath and Ashley had a terrific match which was very close all the way round and was played in great spirit. Ashley birdied the 17th to go 1 up. Needing a birdie to keep the match alive Kath almost holed a 20 foot putt. Unfortunately it just stayed out and Ashley won.
Very well played to Kath O’Connor on being runner-up, and to Jane Binning for being a semi-finalist.
Winner : Ashley Cramond (The Warwickshire)
Runner up : Kath O’Connor (Tadmarton Heath)
Semi finalists : Jane Binning (Frilford Heath) and Gemma Dryburgh (Beaconsfield)