SWWIC - THE FINAL DAY - AN HONOURABLE THIRD

Going into Day 3 there were many heads working out the computations of how Devon could win. If this team lost, if that team didn't do better than...... But in the end you can only play your own golf. Devon did their best but congratulations to winners Dorset who will play in the national final at Stover Golf Club 20-22nd September 2024.

The weather at Perranporth had decided to change for the worse. It had been cold with a breeze, it now became wet and windy. Those who know Perranporth will appreciate the challenges the women faced for their final matches.

A win against a team as good as Somerset was always going to be a tough call. 6 out of the 7 players from Somerset had + handicaps and proven track records but the Devon ladies went out with their wet weather gear and high hopes. But it was not to be. Gudrun & Sophie played the experienced Aimee Sawyer & Jade Cope losing 2-1. Chloe & Amanda played Harriet & Ffion Lockley and lost 2 down. Lauren McGinnis lost to Frankie Dezis 4-3, Emily lost to Jess Haines 5-3 and in the final match Susie lost to Davina Xanh 6-5. However, the experience gained by 15-year old Susie who plays off 2.8 when playing Davina (+3.9) was tremendous and she came off the course buzzing. Davina is really in-form having just come 3rd in the English Women's Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship at The Manchester Golf Club and is at university in America with aspirations to become a pro golfer. Susie was impressed with Davina's golfing skill and demeanour on the course and she didn't want the game to end.

So, it was a 5-0 loss for the team and they retained their 3rd position from the previous day and an improvement on last year's 4th position. Team Manager Vicky Holloway was thrilled with the Devon team who conducted themselves throughout the 3 days with grace and played some great golf. 

The organisation that goes into these events is huge and thanks must go to all at Perranporth Golf Club, the staff and ball spotters and others who assisted. Our Team Manager Vicky Holloway who leads the Devon team and organises the many things that bring the team together did a wonderful job and our ladies who played their hearts out on a really difficult course in tough conditions deserve our applause.

Devon are particularly fortunate in having a wonderful group of parents behind the scenes who this year provided hot breakfasts for everyone each day and supported the players on and off the course - thanks to Donna & Steve and Andy and Theresa. Caddies were invaluable and Vicky's Assistant Lorna Elliott, Girls' Team Manager Hannah Stephens, President Pam St Leger and Women's Competitions Manager Wendy Stanbury, Women's Inter-Club Manager Rosie Burnham, Operations Manager Paul Cloke, Laura Colman, Sally & Steve Charnock and Kate all put in caddying shifts up hill and down dale whilst wishing they could hit a ball as well as their player! If not playing, then some team members caddied. Friends crossed the Tamar Bridge to cheer the team on and their support made all the difference in some games and was much appreciated. It was the camaraderie of the entire group which made the event so much fun over and above the golf. Tuesday evening was a get-together for all those who had played or supported in some way. Love Island proved to be the go-to relaxation for the team but Uno was the go-to fun for the rest. Much "discussion" over the rules was had but a glass or two of wine always settled the outcome. 

Devon are hosting the South West Women's Inter-Counties at East Devon Golf Club next year and look forward to hopefully lifting the trophy. 

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