County Match Week 2017 report at 'Sunny Hunny'

After 12 months of planning, training, blood, sweat and a few tears, England East Region Inter County finals 2017, arrived and BLCGA headed off to "sunny Hunny" to take part. Hunstanton Golf Club on the Norfolk coast were the host for this year’s event and they didn't let us down. The course was in fantastic condition and proved to be a real test for the teams. The weather, on the whole, was fabulous with temperatures on Monday and Wednesdays rising into the 30’s, causing  local supermarkets to run out of water.  In the latter stages of the week we got a taste of what true links golf feels like, battling 40 kmph  gales by Friday afternoon.

This year, rather than booking into a hotel, we set up base in a converted barn close to the course. The animals had long since been evicted and BLCGA made it their home for the week. Catering for 14 was a little daunting for County Captain, Bridie Quinn, but coming from a big family herself she managed to keep the squad fed watered and smiling. 

Whilst the team know each other fairly well, this experience has certainly brought us all closer together, in more ways than one. The saying, "you never truly know someone until you have lived with them" comes to mind and I'm pleased to report that I can honestly say we truly have an amazing group of ladies to represent our county. 

We were all very considerate of each other, Sophie Hillier was touched by Steph's gesture of offering up her turn to use the shower first after a long hot day on the course, only to later find out that whilst she was poking in a confined space, Steph had been luxuriating in a bubble bath having appropriated use of the Captain and Vice Captains state of the art bathroom. 

In the evenings after working hard on the golf course you would expect lots of quiet time with the team reflecting on their days performance. Not our ladies, they preferred to relax by posing challenges to each other which often continued long into the evening, including arm wrestling, well done Sal, head-stands by Annabel and Steph's amazing ‘keepy uppies’ record of 38. Annabel's dad Pete took up the challenge but only managed 7, he may have had a pint or two, but no excuses.  Georgia, feeling confident, having youth on her side introduced the plank challenge, but alas she underestimated the strength of her team mates, losing out to Sophie "the queen of core" Hillier. 

Gill Westgate ensured our bodies and minds were taken care of with yoga sessions and not to mention her impressive win in bottom in the air challenge. In an attempt to put stop to her winning ways a jealous opponent tried to thwart her by hiding her sandals in the fire place, luckily Beth took pity on her and rescued said footwear before they were incinerated 

Dawn was a god send, demonstrating not only her golfing skills, but also her ability to knock up a mean jug of pimms whilst preparing a meal for 14 at the same time. While all this was going on Katriona was busying herself, washing shirts and undertaking any small jobs around the house that needed doing, even turning her hand to a bit of plumbing, she is available for hire and all work comes with the BLCGA seal of approval. 

Not only was Beth working hard on the golf course she was putting in the hours with her studies too, with college assignments to complete when not playing, the best of luck Beth and I'm sure the hard work will pay off. Chris Jones joined us on Friday for her first outing and she put in a sterling performance. 

Bridie and Helen were in charge of this merry band and the only division there was the one down the middle of their super king size bed they shared for the week. Last but not least we had our President Heddwen and Vice President Claudine who were there with words of wisdom to keep our spirits buoyed up. The highlight off the day was the ceremonial evening tradition of being lined up and legs  sprayed with bug buster, insuring and everything else within a five mile radius stayed away. 

Our caddies were brilliant, Christine and her husband Martin McDermott came for the week to caddy. Christine still trying to teach us French and vice versa. I think between us we have created a new language. Our President  Heddwen shall now be known as "Gunwev". at one point Christine was trying to track down her husband as she needed a ‘bar of mars’ and apparently was bitten by a"flying horse".  Steve & Carol Hillier were also ever present, staying in a holiday apartment looking over the golf course and proudly flying the BLCGA flag from their balcony for all to see. 

On Thursday, Steph, Sophie & Kat with their caddies followed Vice Captain Helen to shelter in the bunkers as the thunder and lighting hit the coast and play being suspended for 30 minutes. Luckily the storm blew over and every one made it back in one piece. 

Match Day Report:

Day 1 - We had a very strong start to our campaign with a convincing 7 - 2 win over Cambs & Hunts.  Day 2 saw us up against the overall winners Suffolk. Despite BLCGA putting in a huge effort we narrowly lost 3.5 - 5.5. 

Day 3 - Temperatures soared into the 30’s, but despite this BLCGA managed to keep their cool and draw the match 4.5-4.5

Day 4 - We played the reigning champions and overall favourites and hosting the event Norfolk. BLCGA did not allow them-selves to be intimidated and took advantage of every opportunity. The match was won on the 18th hole when County Captain Bridie Quinn held her nerve to putt out and halve her game, but making it an overall win for BLCGA 5-4. This win was more significant as BLCGA were the only team to actually beat Norfolk. 

Day 5 - We faced Essex and despite a strong showing in the morning when we won 2-1, Essex seemed better able to cope with the strong winds in the afternoon and we lost 3.5-5.5. 

Overall we finished in 4th place. Although we didn't win this year we can take heart from the fantastic level of golf played by our team. All the games played went down to the wire and the fighting spirit showed how much this meant to all of us. The team spirit was tremendous and the support shown, not only this week, but over the past year and has contributed to our overall success. We are a small county but I feel this is one of our strengths as it has allowed us to create a strong bond. The future is bright, the future is yellow. 

Statistics and table can be found on the home page on under section County week 2017.

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