Gill Collier from Frilford Heath wins the OLCGA Woodburn-Bamberger Knockout Trophy

04 October, 2026

The Final of the Woodburn-Bamberger Knockout Competition was played this week at Kirtlington Golf Club. We are extremely grateful to Kirtlington for stepping in at the last minute to host the final due to greens maintenance works at the course where the final was originally due to be played. Our thanks to Gary Quainton and Pam Smith and staff for their hospitality and for the excellent post-match tea.

Gill Collier from Frilford Heath and Sheila Taylor from Tadmarton Heath were the two players who reached the final from the 28 players who played in the knockout stages of this competition.

The early October weather gave us a warm and sunny day with a gentle breeze which was ideal for golf. The match was competitive with Gill unlucky to find bunkers on both of the first two holes, but she managed to win back a hole on the 3rd with a good drive and excellent shots into the green. The match was all square after 9 holes, with Sheila winning the 10th and Gill the 11th to bring it back to all square. Gill won four of the next five holes and emerged the winner of the trophy on the 16th with a 4 & 2 win. We saw some good golf and the match was played in great spirit. Gill made a number of great drives and good fairway shots and Sheila’s short game made it a close competitive match, particularly through the first 11 holes.

Congratulations to both players on reaching the final. The Woodburn-Bamberger Trophy will be formally presented to Gill Collier at this year’s County AGM which will be held at Frilford Heath Golf Club on Sunday 29th November 2026.

Gill Collier (Frilford Heath) – winner of the 2026 Woodburn-Bamberger Trophy (left)
being presented with the trophy by Christine Bishop, County President

2026 Woodburn-Bamberger Finalists - Gill Collier (Frilford Heath on the left), Christine Bishop (President, OLCGA)
& Sheila Taylor (Tadmarton Heath on the right)