Junior County Match Days 8th -11th August 2023 – Benton Hall Essex
The squad of Tala, Darcie, Connie, Alecia, Sian, Hana, Ruby (Captain) and Amelia along with Responsible Adults, Jo, Sam, Clare, Barney and I arrived at Benton Hall GC on a very blustery Tuesday afternoon. We were all in good spirits, however, a lot of time was spent looking at the weather forecast for the rest of the week.
Wednesday morning the girls proceeded to decorate the buggy and everyone agreed that we should win a prize for the best decorated one. Jo and Sam took the girls for their pre match prep including stretching, pitching off grass and finally some putts.
Our first match on Wednesday afternoon was against Essex, the current holders of the trophy and we were elated to win 4 -2 but there was still a long way to go.
Thursday saw the sunshine come out and we were playing Bedfordshire in the morning, who had beaten Cambs and Hunts on Wednesday, so we were not taking anything for granted. We won against Bedfordshire 5 and 1 and our girls were in terrific form and high spirits.
Thursday afternoon saw us playing Cambs and Hunts which although the scoreline tells us it was 5-1 to Herts it was far closer than that. Two of our players were down coming down 16 only to triumph on the 18th, they were our comeback queens.
At the end of Thursday we had won all three of our matches but it wasn’t all over. Essex were playing Cambs and Bedfordshire on Friday and we had Norfolk and Suffolk.
Everyone was in great spirits and an early night was in order as we were leaving the hotel at 6.30am for our 08.00 tee time against Norfolk. What a match, the result of 4.5 - 1.5 doesn’t show the ups and downs that occurred in all the matches.
So Friday afternoon loomed against Suffolk, we needed to win or half the match to win overall. If we lost the result would be based on games, which I think would have given us the win but….
We had two clear wins out there by 4.30, one loss and the other three matches were quite tight. At around 5pm we had another win so the match was halved and then our final win at 17.07 on 17th to seal the deal!!!!
Herts are the 2023 East Region Junior Match Days Champions
Everyone played exceptionally well, and I believe had a very positive experience. Thank you to all my responsible adults (Jo, Sam, Clare and Barney).
For me, it is a privilege to be part of such a special experience in these young girls lives. I am sure they will look back on this week with fondness. I am not just saying this but winning was just the icing on the cake because everyone entered this week with positivity and enthusiasm. Our Captain Ruby made an excellent winners’ speech, and I am so proud of every member of the squad. They are a credit to our County.
Thursday 10th August
Hertfordshire Junior Girls are currently competing in the East Region Inter County Junior Match Days which started yesterday, Wednesday 9th August at Benton Hall Golf & Country Club
This is a three-day event for girls aged under 18 from Essex, Norfolk, Bedfordshire, Cambs & Hunts, Suffolk and Hertfordshire. Each County will play one match against each of the other Counties with a team of six players playing singles match-play, chosen from their squad of 8 players.
Yesterday the Girls managed to defeat Essex 4-2. This morning they played against Bedfordshire and defeated them 5-1. This afternoon the girls will be taking on Cambs & Hunts we wish them luck.
Our Junior Girls will be taking part in the East Region Inter County Junior Match Days which commence on Wednesday 9th August at Benton Hall Golf & Country Club, Wickham Hill, Witham, Essex, CM8 3LH.
This is a three day event for girls aged under 18 from Essex, Norfolk, Bedfordshire, Cambs & Hunts, Suffolk and Hertfordshire. Each County will play one match against each of the other Counties with a team of six players playing singles match-play, chosen from their squad of 8 players.
We have submitted our squad (named below) who will be supported by our PGA Coaches Jo Oliver, Sam Head and our Assistant Manager Clare Mulvaney and myself.
We are all really excited to be representing Hertfordshire in this event and we are preparing to do our very best.
We welcome supporters and if you can wear a little pink, it would be fantastic to see you.
Jennie Lewis Puttick
Herts Girls Junior Manager
Girls County Information - 2022 / 2023
It has been an interesting first two months in the role of Girls Junior Manager. Meeting the County Officers, Directors, Coaches and the Performance and Development Squad girls and their parents. I am also pleased that Clare Mulvaney has joined me as Assistant Girls Junior Manager in order that we can get involved in our girls golf pathway and hopefully assist in the growth of girls golf.
My aims for this year are as follows:-
Match play practice for the Performance Squad, so they get to know each other and enjoy their golf in preparation for County Match Days.
Encouraging the Development Squad to find opportunities to meet up and play together and to enter as many Junior Opens as they can over the spring and summer.
We will be setting up monthly qualifying competitions for 14 - 18 year olds with a WHS handicap starting in May, so that girls have an opportunity to play together.
Meeting with the Futures and iTour girls and parents.
Supporting the County Officers in promoting these and other County initiatives to Club Junior Organisers.
Overall I would hope that all girls who play in our County have fun and enjoy their golfing experiences and we can help them to achieve their golfing ambitions.
Jennie Lewis Puttick
Girls Junior Manager
